SLMC leader Minister Rauff Hakeem recently reminded the LTTE that the group’s responsibilities would not end with the handing over of lands belonging to the Muslims.

Hakeem expressed gratitude for the return of the agricultural lands of Muslims in LTTE-controlled areas of the Batticaloa district at the 15th convocation ceremony held at the Jammiyathus Siddikkiya Arabic College, Kathankudy, according to a party statement.

"We have now entered the difficult process of obliterating bitterness of the past between the communities and restoring mutual goodwill. During the last few days a marked progress has been witnessed, especially with regard to this land issue. The leaders of this area have, under directions from their hierarchy, been very cordial and co-operative with regard to the return of our lands in which we have not been able to cultivate for so long. I express my gratitude officially to them for that gesture of goodwill.

The panic prevailing amongst the people on account of their bitter experiences of the past must disappear. I consider it my duty to remind the LTTE, very politely of course, that their responsibilities are not over with the handing over of these lands. They have a large role to play with regard to creating an atmosphere of peace and normal life in the entire Northern region so that people would have the freedom to visit their lands as they did prior to incidents of violence.

We are sure that they would fulfil this role honourably and co-operate with us in our efforts to restore mutual understanding between the two communities.

About 300 Muslim ladies have so far graduated from this Institution and have become Moulavis and Hafis. Women have played a major role towards building up the economy of this country. Women are netting in almost 75 per cent of the foreign exchange through foreign employment. They have earned almost what has been spent on the war. A considerable majority of employees in the tea and garment industries are women.

There is a false illusion that Kathankudy is now a thriving village. The true state can be perceived only when you visit the nooks and corners of this village. There are some affluent people with generous hearts. But it will take several decades more for the basic needs of the people to be fulfilled.

But academic institutions which contribute towards educational, moral and spiritual upliftment are dominant in this city. The two isntitutions for religious education — Jammiyathul Falah for men and Jammiyathus Siddikkiya for women — are located here."