Basil Rajapaksa's men threaten Tamil-speaking voters: Sampanthan, Hakeem

[TamilNet, Sunday, 02 September 2012, 15:31 GMT]
More than one thousand men sent under the instruction of SL Presidential sibling and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse have been engaged in intimidating Tamils and Muslims in the three districts of the eastern province namely Ampaarai, Batticaloa and Trincomalee that they would face serious consequences if they fail to vote for the ruling United Peoples Freedom Party in the forthcoming election to the Eastern Provincial Council that is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 8 , according to complaints lodged with the Commissioner General of Elections by the parliamentary group leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R.Sampanthan and Rauff Hakeem, the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, who is also the Justice Minister in Mahinda Rajapaksa's cabinet. Basil Rajapakse is also a minister in same cabinet.

Gangs of persons dispatched by Minister Basil Rajapakse are said to be Samurdhi officers known as ‘social service officers’ of the occupying Sri Lanka government.

They are reportedly roaming in villages in the three district wearing blue color shirts, visiting every household along with local candidates of the ruling UPFA warning the voters belong to two communities Tamil and Muslim that if they fail to vote that they have to repent after the poll.

Mr Sampanthan and Mr Hakeem have also requested the Commissioner General of Elections to take immediate steps by stopping unruly elements creating terror and to ensure peaceful free and fair election in the eastern province.

Chronology: