End to abductions, extortions: Jammiyathul Ulama Council lauds President

Mohammed NAALIR

COLOMBO: All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama Council President Moulavi M.I.M. Rizvi Mufthi commended President Mahinda Rajapaksa for taking immediate steps to end the abductions and extortions targeting the Muslim business community in Colombo and other areas.

Addressing the media recently at the Information Department, Mufthi said when a delegation from the Muslim community met President Rajapaksa, he immediately appointed a committee to look into the problems of the Muslim business community.

Mufthi said the Muslim community wants to live peacefully with other communities. Presidential Advisor A.H.M. Azwer said President Rajapaksa respects all minorities in the country.

The abduction of Muslim businessmen for ransom was a local and international conspiracy. The Opposition is behind this designed to tarnish the image of the President and the Government, he said.

“The President has won the hearts of the international community. This is a conspiracy to topple the Government. These people are mistaken if they think they can achieve their desires through these acts,” Azwer said.

Police spokesman DIG Jayantha Wickramarathne said at the request of the Muslim community, President Rajapaksa appointed a committee to look into abductions and extortions targeting Muslim businessmen.

Following the establishment of the committee, no abductions were reported after June 18, he said.

The DIG said 12 persons connected with the abduction of Trust Lanka owner was arrested by police.

There were seven Sinhalese and five Muslims involved. Three persons fled from Sri Lanka. Measures have been taken to nab them with Interpol assistance.

He said a former Air Force personnel, two STF personnel and two officers attached to the Police have also been taken into custody in connection with abductions and extortions.