Muslim Council urges Rajapaksa to disarm armed group in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 June 2008, 14:12 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Muslim Council, the apex body of about 120 Muslim organizations has appealed to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to take immediate steps to disarm the illegal armed group operating in the eastern province. "We make this urgent appeal as Muslim people in the province live in fear of their lives and properties due to the presence of the armed group," said in an urgent letter to Mr. Rajapaksa by the Sri Lanka Muslim Council.

The letter has been signed by its President N.M.Ameen and Secretary M.T.M.Risvi.

In the eastern province, especially in Kaaththankudi and Batticaloa Muslim people have been living in fear after the election to the eastern provincial council, the letter said.

"Eastern people have been urging peace and normalcy. They are determined that the law and order should be maintained. At present all know that an armed group has been operating in Batticaloa openly. Several Muslims have been attacked, killed and abducted in the last ten days. The situation is deteriorating day by day. An illegal armed group is also operating along with legal army," the letter accused.

"His Excellency is well aware that the illegal armed group is TMVP led by Chief Minister Pillayan. It has been confirmed that the element behind the recent violence in Batticaloa is the TMVP."

"Hence we appeal to your Excellency to take appropriate stern steps to disarm the illegal armed group. We also appeal to you to allocate a day to meet you and discuss the problems confronting the Muslim community in the east," the letter sent by the Sri Lanka Muslim Council concludes.

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