Stop! In the name of love and respect

By Dilkie Umagiliya

I am horrified at the overload of communalism and racism circulating in social media and the irresponsible coverage in the electronic and print media. Free press and freedom of speech does not mean this ‘freedom’ is demonised. Sri Lanka, a country of multi ethnic/faith, secular society is today being ripped apart by majority extremist rhetoric.

Muslims are the target of hate crime, unlawful destruction of property and imprisonments and arrests. This angry wave is almost entirely from the majority community, who hold, that they have the right to condemn and convict within or without the law. 

The legislature and legislators are unmoved and conspicuous in their deafening silence. 

The JO comprising a motley membership of ‘have beens’ and ‘maybes’ are spiteful and savage in their verbal attacks both in organised congregations/meetings. 

This hostile and uncontrolled propaganda is enthusiastically published and broadcast by the newspapers and TV stations with partiality prejudice and bias. Obviously for purported increase in circulation and viewing. 

Where is responsible reporting, that is expected from publishing houses, pioneers in newspapers? Readers expect credible substantiated unbiased reporting. It is the right of the readership. It is an ethical requirement.

Witch-hunt

The case in point is the arrest and condemnation of the obstetrician attached to the Kurunegala Government Hospital. 

The Director of the Hospital is pleading on behalf of his colleague who was incarcerated on a charge of ‘Unlawful acquisition of assets’. The long arm of the law is quoted as saying that was the ‘only way to arrest’ the Muslim medical doctor.

He is now in the midst of another criminal charge of unlawful sterilisation of mothers. 

The Sunday Times of 9 June published a comprehensive educative informed centre page article by an investigative journalist of repute who interviewed all personnel involved and present during C-section midwifery surgical procedures. It was noted that indiscriminate sterilisation cannot be done stealthily by a surgeon without the knowledge and consent of all medical staff present. 

Today the President of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has again reiterated the urgent need for an inquiry to be conducted by a professional medical team. He also rightly points out that ligation (tying) of fallopian tubes can be checked by an X-ray or by laparoscopy. 

The unjust crusade goes on, on a daily basis never ending! 

Miscarriage of justice

If an inquiry is conducted by an ad hoc PSC comprising ill-informed unqualified prejudiced parliamentarians it will surely be a miscarriage of justice. 

Islamophobia is rampant and spreading like wild fire among extremists of all social classes.

Sri Lanka today is on the threshold of economic mutiny and civil unrest. It is of utmost importance to protect commerce and industry which are so vulnerable to communal violence, hatred and mistrust. 

The Muslim community who are harassed today are the lynchpin (leaders) of Commerce and Small and Medium entrepreneurship.

Sri Lanka is in self destruction mode if this religious persecution continues.

Innocent people are the target of inhumane violence, bigotry and prejudice. Women and children going to work and getting about their daily chores are at the receiving end of verbal threats and physical and mental abuse. 

Stop in the name of love 

Persons continuing to spread hate speech must be stopped. 

Every citizen must recognise that each one of us has a duty to prevent hateful thoughts, words and actions. It is in our welfare and wellbeing. 

Do not share any material received on social media which is inflammatory, biased or racist. 

We have to protect our fellow Muslim citizens who have lived amongst us for centuries. 

The law will deal with the extremists. 

If we don’t make the effort we will perish!