Jaffna People’s Forum for Coexistence denounces BBS Kandy forum

Monday, 8 July 2019 00:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says majoritarian activities must be controlled and rights of all people must be safeguarded

The Jaffna People’s Forum for Coexistence in a statement has denounced the Bodu Bala Sena forum in Kandy yesterday.

Following is the full text of the statement:

We have condemned the targeting of the Muslim community after the Easter Sunday attacks, and taken forward initiatives for coexistence. In this context, the mobilisation in Kandy organised on 7 July 2019 has created widespread fear amongst the Muslim community. The circulation of hateful discourses and riots against the Muslims in recent times have occurred in the backdrop of such regressive mobilisations.

As people of different ethnicities and faiths living in Jaffna, and having witnessed the hardships faced by Muslims who were forcefully evicted in 1990, we are working to ensure the resettlement of the Jaffna Muslims after the war, and build the space for coexistence.

There is tremendous fear that mass gatherings inciting ethnic and religious divisions can once again devastate a particular community. Therefore, we must recognise the dangers inherent in such mobilisations. We call upon all people living in the country to recognise the tragic history of the country, and reject the divisive actions and politics on the rise.

The Government of Sri Lanka has an important duty at this time. Majoritarian activities must be controlled and the rights of all people must be safeguarded. We all have the democratic responsibility to extend our solidarity towards the Muslim community, work towards relieving their fear and protect their rights.