Hakeem slams hate campaign against Muslims

Monday, 21 January 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem has slammed the hate campaign being carried out by some Buddhist monks against Muslims and also expressed dismay over the inability of the police to contain a protest staged by monks in Maharagama on Saturday.

Hakeem said that the derogatory references to the Muslims as a community, and the related isolated incidents that have taken place in different parts of the country in the recent past, are also a disturbing trend that ought to be reversed.

“I wish to convey my dismay and displeasure regarding the apathy displayed by the law and order machinery in not containing the spread of the hate campaign at Maharagama in front of a private business enterprise, yesterday. I also categorically condemn the hate campaigns against the Muslims and their business enterprises that are on the rise today in the country,” he said.

Hakeem said that law and order must be enforced to nip it in the bud and that the government is duty-bound to protect all communities equally including the weak and the vulnerable.

“At a time the country is recovering from a protracted thirty-years’ war, it is distressing to note that the conflict between ethnic communities are showing signs of flaring up again, aided and abetted by certain groups trying to discredit the government and the Sri Lankan State. We must act with restraint and tolerance, by not falling prey to vested interests that spread hate and religious bigotry and thereby inviting unwanted external interference. I believe that this could also be part of a conspiracy to isolate Sri Lanka in the international arena. As intelligent citizens who love our motherland we must not pay heed to those promoting religious disharmony,” he said in a statement.

The police prevented a group of monks from storming into a clothes store in Maharagama on Saturday following a demonstration.

Police spokesman SSP Priyashantha Jayakody told the Colombo Gazette that police protection was provided to the store during the tense situation which had occurred last afternoon.

The monks, who initially distributed leaflets to people on the street, then attempted to force their way into the Magaragam No-Limit clothes store.

However the police placed barricades and prevented the monks from going further. The monks burnt an effigy and then dispersed after having discussions with the police.

According to reports the monks had chanted anti-Muslim slogans and had wanted the store closed claiming it was being operated by Muslims. (Colombo Gazette)