Pardons to mark Heroes' day

[TamilNet, Thursday, 27 November 1997, 23:59 GMT]
Voice of Tigers (VOT) announced this morning that 22 people convicted for various crimes by the LTTE's civil administration judiciary administration in Vanni were given general pardon yesterday.

The radio said they were released in view of National Heroes Day, which is observed today.

Maveerar (Great Heroes) celebrations started on November 25 and will end today. Today is the death anniversary of the first LTTE fighter to be killed in combat.

"Maveerar celebrations started with full fervour all over Tamil Eelam. The programme began with the raising of Tamil Eelam's national flag at 8 AM at various sites", said the LTTE in a press statement issued yesterday evening.

"Maveerar celebrations were officially conducted at many public places, schools, government departments, Tamil Eelam police stations, LTTE burial grounds and in LTTE military and training camps", the statement said further.

LTTE leader Mr. V. Pirabakaran is expected to give his annual Maveerar Day speech this evening.