LTTE Headquarters,
                                                Tamil Eelam.
                                                21. March 1997


PRESS RELEASE
NEWS FROM TAMIL EELAM

TAMIL EELAM PAYS TRIBUTE TO ANNAI POOPATHY
        Memorial celebrations for the "mother" of Tamil Eelam, Annai
        Poopathy, are taking place throughout Vanni. Yesterday was the
        first day in a week of activity recognising the tremendous
        sacrifice she made in protest at Indian military presence in
        Tamil Eelam. She passed away nine years ago in a determined
        fast-unto-death. In this the 9th anniversary of her death, a
        massive portrait of her was erected in the densely-populated area
        of Mallavi. LTTE representative Vanan raised the Tamil Eelam
        national flag to start off the celebrations and many people paid
        floral tributes. Similar ceremonies took place in Mankulam and
        throughout Mullaitivu. Portraits of this national heroine are
        this week prominently placed in schools, offices and shops across
        Tamil Eelam.

LTTE WOMEN'S JOURNAL NOW AVAILABLE
        The official journal of the LTTE's women's division - titled
        "Suthanthira Paravaigal" - is now out. This latest issue covers a
        range of analytical articles not only on military matters such as
        the role of women forces on the battlefield (as in the recent
        Vavunathivu battle) but also includes features of more general
        interest to the discerning reader.

NEWS VIDEO FOR DECEMBER 1996 RELEASED IN TAMIL EELAM
        Tamil Eelam's latest monthly newsreel of events has been released
        to the general public. The period covered is December 1996. The
        video covers all developments in Tamil Eelam ranging from major
        cultural events to updates on the war against the Sri Lankan
        military, which is occupying parts of the Tamil country.
	
Political Committee,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

(English translation of the LTTE statement released by
LTTE International Secretariat, 211 Katherine Road, London E6 1BU,
United Kingdom. Tel:0181- 503 4294 / Fax: 0181-470 8593)