Ensure Muslims' security, says MLF

Rafik Jalaldeen

The Muslim Liberation Front (MLF) yesterday appealed to the Government to assume responsibility for Muslim community's security in the Eastern province and not to force Muslims in the East to take a unilateral decision in this regard.

The Government promised to safeguard the Eastern Muslims from armed groups during the Eastern Provincial election but Muslims have lost faith in these pledges after the PC election when one considers the prevailing situation, it said. "We have to address issues concerning Muslims particularly the current security situation in the East.

We have reasons to suspect that most of the incidents which took place against the Muslim community originated from armed groups, MLF Chairman S.M. Niyas said. The day-to-day life of the Eastern population was disrupted due to threat by the armed groups. Most of the violence against the Muslim community were well planned. "The armed culture still exists in the Eastern province and we are seeking justice for the Muslim victims in the East.

The people's lives have been totally disrupted by the armed groups. Therefore, we appeal the Government to disarm the TMVP immediately", Niyas said. He also noted the Muslim Ministers, organisations and civil religious organisations failed to raise their voices against the harassment of the Muslim community in the East.

Niyas stressed the Government should find a solution to the prevailing situation in the East or else the Muslim community would decide their own solution.

"We appeal to the Government to find a solution immediately and not let Muslims to decide their own solution", he said.