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Nine Muslim Congress MPs including Highways Minister A.L.A.M. Athaullah have decided to boycott Parliament until Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader (SLMC) Rauf Hakeem and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe makes a comprehensive statement regarding the position Muslims in the North-East.

Highways Minister A.L.A.M. Athaullah told the Daily News that the nine MPs took this decision on Tuesday since there is no assurance for the Muslims in the North -East province regarding their future. The nine MPs have conveyed this message to Hakeem and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.

The nine MPs include Noordeen Mashoor, Thideer Thawfeeq, S.M. Thawfeeq, H.M.M. Harris, Anwer Ismail, M.B.A. Azees, Abdul Cader and Rizath Baduideen.

Minister Athaullah said they are demanding autonomy for Muslims in the North-East province in the same way that Tamils would be given autonomy in the North East once permanent peace is achieved.

He said Muslim MPs in the North East are disappointed by the way in which the peace process is being continued ignoring the Muslim's opinion.

Minister Rauf Hakeem, Bazeer Segudawood, and Dr. Hafrath will attend Parliament as usual. However, Minister Athaulla said they could not contact MP Segudawood. The MPs are determined to continue the boycott whatever the circumstances, until their demand is met, the Minister added. (RW)

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