Killing of Muslim councillor raises tension in Minuwangoda

[TamilNet, Thursday, 22 February 2007, 12:36 GMT]
Additional troops and police have been deployed in Minuwangoda area in the western province to quell any racial disturbance following the killing of a former Muslim councillor of the Minuwangoda Pradesya Sabha Wednesday evening. Tension prevails in the area between two communities Sinhalese and Muslims, sources said.

The victim has been identified as Mohamed Fazil aged 38 and a member of the main opposition United national Party (UNP), sources said.

Minuwangoda Police have taken into custody a Sinhalese person Sooti Malli, sources said.

Black flags were seen on houses and shops and business establishments were closed down as a mark of respect to the murdered local politician.

A case is pending in courts in connection with the racial violence that took place two years ago between these communities in Minuwangoda, sources said.