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The in-fighting in the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) is not against the Tamil community or the LTTE struggle, but against the wrong decisions taken by the party leader Rauff Hakeem, said Minister of Vanni Rehabilitation Noordeen Mashoor.

"But I am surprised to note the distorted statements given in various media circles that I have given up my struggle and was fully supportive of Rauff Hakeem's actions. This is far from the truth", Mashoor who is also SLMC's Deputy chairman said in a release yesterday.

The release added: In reply to this statement which is supposed to have been made by me at a meeting in Puttalam last Saturday, as the Minister of Vanni Rehabilitation and the Deputy Chairman of the SLMC, I wish to state the following:

"Further to my denial I would add that last Saturday, a meeting was convened in the Eastern Province by our Leader S. Subairdeen Hadjiar. I could not attend this meeting as it was the day following the Ramazan festival, and I was relaxing in my residence in Erukkulampitti, Palavi, Puttalam. That evening I was informed that Rauff Hakeem was visiting Puttalam to hold a meeting to explain the people the reasons for the internal crisis of the Party and was to arrive in one hour.

"I was worried that this suddenly arranged meeting could upset morally and divide the refugees who have been living peacefully for the past 12 years. I categorically refused and will not allow this meeting to be held. As it was a sudden visit of Rauff Hakeem, a small get-together was arranged in my house.

"While explaining the reasons for the split in the party, I said that Rauff Hakeem will have to make some sacrifices by agreeing to the conditions laid down by the Supreme Council formed by the new leader of the SLMC. If these conditions are agreeable his position becoming the leader of the party or as a member of the High Command could be considered.

"I further stated that as the leader of the SLMC, Rauff Hakeem had committed a considerable number of mistakes. He has also taken independent wrong decisions. By my statements I only proved my justifications. He too came out with his views, however, I am disturbed to note that my justifications have been distorted and had been published in various media circles, which need optimum punishment.

"I further added that Rauff Hakeem could be a member of the Supreme Council, likewise we have no love for positions or monetary gains. Our motto was to safeguard the integrity of our Muslim community.

"Like all other communities in this country especially the facilities provided to the Tamils in the Eastern Province, the Muslims too are entitled to enjoy such facilities. Our struggle is to achieve these dreams.

"I wish to enlighten that I have no part whatsoever to these distorted statements made by Rauff Hakeem that I have accepted his leadership". 

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