From Mohammed Rasshid in Digamadulla
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) must insist on a writen assurance from the LTTE with regard to the safety and the security of Muslims, especially those who live in the North and East and also ensure equal rights to Muslims in the proposed interim administration, attorney-at-law U. L. M. Nizar told seminar organised by North East Muslims Association (NEMA) recently at Mahmood Balika College in Kalmunai.

To fulfil the aspirations of Muslims, the SLMC must enter into negotiations forthwith with Muslims professionals and other political parties. This must be done irrespective of party politics. SLMC’s inconsistency with other Muslim politicians could lead to a dangerous eventuality, he warned.

NEMA president, Dr. S. A. Jabbar said the LTTE failed to win the confidence of Muslims in the Eastern Province by mitigating violence at Valaichenai just after the MoU was signed between the government and the LTTE. Tamils have created imaginary stories that Muslims have armed organisations. such as Jihad and Osama, which is totally false.

The guest speaker, Dr. Kumar Rupasinghe said that the Muslims have also suffered for this past 20 years because of terrorism. The LTTEs demand for self determination was due to ill treatment and marginalization by the majority.

As it is, documentation is not enough to support Muslim claims of Tamil atrocities, to be taken internationally. Therefore, Muslims must prepare professional documentations in this regard. LTTE is a monstrous dangerous, brutal terrorist organisation —or deadly movement.

There are forces to destabilize the peace process. Therefore Muslims must be vigilant, Dr. Rupasinghe added.