There is no change in India's policy on Sri Lanka and on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), National Security Advisor MK Narayanan said on Wednesday.
"There were valid reasons to ban the LTTE and India stands by its decision (to do so)," he told reporters here after a meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.
"The centre does not have any doubt on the ban. LTTE is a dangerous organisation and the ban is very much necessary," Narayanan said, adding however, he did not perceive any threat to India from the Tamil Tigers.
"I do no think LTTE would want to pose any threat to us. It is clear that they need India's support. But I don't know what their thinking is," he said.
The meeting with Karunanidhi came almost two months after he spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the escalating conflict in Sri Lanka and the consequent refugee influx into this state.
Earlier this week, Karunanidhi had said the ban on LTTE was "a matter of debate".
New Delhi, however, maintains there is no divergence of opinion between the centre and the state government on the Sri Lanka issue.
"India is an important factor and Sri Lanka is sensitive about our concerns" Narayanan said.
{{/usCountry}}"India is an important factor and Sri Lanka is sensitive about our concerns" Narayanan said.
{{/usCountry}}"We are a big country and everyone, including the Norwegian and Swedish interlocutors, want an interaction on our part. But, in view of our last experience with the LTTE we do not want to get involved directly," he added.
"We do not foresee any direct intervention on our part in the affairs of Sri Lanka and that of the LTTE. At the same time, we wish to remain in the loop," Narayanan maintained.
According to the official, "India has urged the Sri Lankan government to provide security to Tamils and to ensure their rights".