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by Rashomi Silva

Port and Shipping Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem has urged all communities to help authorities to maintain law and order.

"I as the leader of the Muslim Congress and a responsible Minister of the government appeal to Muslims and other communities to assist the government to maintain law and order," said the Minister addressing a press conference held in Kattaiparichchan Army camp in Muttur.

Speaking to reporters the Minister assured that the SLMC stands for peace. It wants to see that the rights of the Muslims are assured with a final settlement to the decades long ethnic conflict and said that he will be representing future peace talks in the capacity of the Leader of the Muslim Congress as in previous rounds.

Clashes between two groups last week had resulted in hundreds displaced, six killed and over 20 civilians injured. There was damage to property.

Hakeem said that he would remain in Muttur till arrangements are finalised to coordinate relief and rehabilitation of the displaced.

Defence Minister Tilak Marapana, Employment and Labour Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, UNP chairman Malik Samarawickrama and Army, Navy and Police chiefs flew to Trincomalee and Muttur last Friday to ascertain the ground situation there on the instructions of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

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