Speaking at a media briefing in Jaffna, Sivajilingam said that although the police had stated that it was illegal to commemorate the LTTE's 'Mahaveer Day' falling on Nov. 27, the Tamil masses have a democratic right to commemorate their dead.

Noting that he would initiate the commemoration and secure public support, Sivajilingam added that he does not expect that the police will be able to take countermeasures against such a massive crowd who would convene on that day.

No commemorations
Meanwhile, posters have been pasted across the Jaffna University urging to mark the Mahaveer Day and former LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran's birth commemoration.

Speaking, police spokesman - ASP Ruwan Gunasekera said it is illegal for individuals and organized groups to celebrate terrorism or engage in activities that reflects loyalty to traditions that terrorist groups had followed in the past.

"Mahaveer Day is a tradition followed by the LTTE, which is a banned terrorist organization in the country, therefore such celebrations will not be allowed under terrorism prevention laws and for security reasons," he has added.

(Source : BBC Sandeshaya)