Muslim Council urges President to probe hate groups

Friday, 20 June 2014 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka has urged President Mahinda Rajapaksa to immediately investigate the actions of all extremist groups and ban those who have been carryout a campaign of hate, intimidation and violence against Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities. In a letter to the President, a copy of which was released to the media, the Muslim Council said that recent incidents have heightened fears that violence will spread and that Muslims will come under attack, resulting in deaths and injuries, the destruction of businesses and homes, and the mass flight of Muslims from their homes and communities.

The Muslim Council recalled that appeals made to the police and other authorities by several Muslim groups and the Muslim politicians to stop the rally in Aluthgama that preceded the recent attack were not heeded. “We feel that it is necessary and urgent that the climate of impunity with which these groups have been permitted to act thus far is challenged. We urge decisive action by Your Excellency’s Government to restore and uphold the rule of law in this country. It is necessary that a culture of respect for ethnic and religious tolerance– a part of this country’s rich and ancient heritage –is endorsed and encouraged at the highest levels,” the Muslim Council added. The Muslim Council also said that there has been a strategic build up to this violence during the last two years by the Bodu Bala Sena, the Sihala Ravaya and the Ravana Balakaya and that the violence in Aluthgama and Beruwala is not something that happened spontaneously, but was a well planned and coordinated assault to attack the Muslim community and their economic base. “Extremists continue to inflame and incite violence against the Muslims and other religious minorities, and this must be stopped. It is important that, under Your Excellency’s able leadership, Sri Lanka will not repeat the same mistakes of July 1983. This country cannot continue to witness private feuds being turned in to racial violence. Therefore we urge you to commence an investigation into these groups’ activities, including into the hate speech, inciting violence and direct involvement in violence, and ensure that they function within the law of this country. We also urge Your Excellency to ban any group that continues with hate campaigns and inciting violence,” the Muslim Council said in its letter to the President. The Muslim Council says the Muslim community comprises committed citizens of this country and the President’s decisive and immediate action at this juncture will reinforce their faith in him to resolve to ensure that all communities will be treated as equal citizens. (Colombo Gazette)

SLMC invites UN special rapporteurs to probe country’s situation

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader and Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem has invited the UN special rapporteurs on Minority Issues and Religious Freedom to visit Sri Lanka for an investigation on the ongoing situation in the country. Addressing a press briefing, the Minister said that the international community needed to focus its attention on the threats against the minorities. SLMC on Wednesday boycotted Parliament as the debate to decide whether the UN probe panel must be allowed in Sri Lanka was underway. SLMC was the only party of the ruling coalition that abstained from voting. He blamed the Government for its failure to maintain law and order and provide adequate security to the people. “We simply cannot understand how such large-scale destruction of property could take place, two deaths could occur despite the fact that a curfew was on,” the Minister questioned. Hakeem also protested the police for allowing to ignite the tension among communities. However, he ruled out that he would step down from his ministerial post in the Government since retaining the post would be a strength to the Muslim party.