Government Ministers hold meeting in Pottuvil

13 August 2011 09:33 am - 65 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem, Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister A. L. M Athaullah together with Senior Provincial Ministers and members of the councils held a meeting with residents of Pottuvil at the Grand Jumma Mosque in Pottuvil today.

The meeting was held after the funeral of M. Maujoom a 32 year old father of three and fomer candidate for the SLMC who was shot during protests yesterday. Speaking to Daily Mirror online just after concluding the meeting Minister Rauff Hakeem said that he had appraised the people present about the meeting he had with the President at the Katunayake Airport upon his return to the country.

"I told the people that the President was concerned about the situation here in Pottuvil and that he condemned the killing in no uncertain terms. We assured them that everyone responsible will be held accountable." Twenty youth have been arrested by the police for vandalism and damage of state property after yesterdays protests.

Hakeem went on to say, "We have spoken to all relevant authorities and they have assured us that they will ensure peace and calm in the area." Commenting on the rumours of the 'Mystery Man' Hakeem said, "We told the people that there were people with vested interests who are formulating these reprehensible rumours, with the idea of putting the government into difficulty."

The leader of the SLMC which has a strong presence in the East reiterated that the government will take all neccessary steps to get to the bottom of the incident. "The police and armed forces are doing there best to restore public confidence and maintain law and order. The situation is calm in Pottuvil as of now and I will remain here until I am assured that the situation is under control. The government will do its utmost to bring normalcy back to the area," he added. (Fazal Mohomed)

Pictures by Haneek Ahamed

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Comments - 65

truth Saturday, 13 August 2011 09:04 PM

though it is said no minority, it cannot be confined to public speach, should be shon genuinely

dxb Sunday, 14 August 2011 04:25 AM

Appreciate Dilruk's view to accomodate the Minority into society. but unfortunatley Defence secretary represents the JHU and his behaviour is so negative since his brtoher elected to second term .

Thomas Sunday, 14 August 2011 04:12 AM

That maens they have a policy!

V.I.S.Jayapalan Sunday, 14 August 2011 02:18 AM

Dear the sonority, I am supporting your view. Increasing ati- Muslim sentiments among armed forces stained in the east is also not a secret. That also fueled to the situation. Police is behind the the people who encourage the lands of Muslims Allai poet in in Potuvil. SLMC is not an extremist political party. If Sri Lanka is not a Police state it should listen Muslim leadership in Muslim affairs.

Unchikun Sunday, 14 August 2011 01:45 AM

A leader with no principals and ethics. Just looking for power. Needs to call his new master and meet him at the airport to even visit is own townships for solutions. Time to ditch such poor and opportunist.

lalith Sunday, 14 August 2011 01:18 AM

I cant believe there are people trying to create instability and blaming it on racial grounds.

Free man Sunday, 14 August 2011 12:44 AM

This is not enough for the mulsim people, the police should not go that far. President must order to immediate investigation for his death and prevent it happening in the future. Minister,please don't draw your salary and sit in the ac room. Meet people time to time ask their grievences and find immediate remadies.

ilango Sunday, 14 August 2011 12:30 AM

there is a link between unaccountability and Sri Lanka for the last couple of years.

truth Saturday, 13 August 2011 09:41 PM

only in words no minority should be in real sense.

Srilankan Citizen Sunday, 14 August 2011 05:05 AM

Law and order should protect the public not for police.

Fazli Saturday, 13 August 2011 06:57 PM

Hasan I respect your views. But let us not be provacative. The YAKA will soon surface Insha Allah.

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 13 August 2011 06:06 PM

We are still waiting for proper punishment to those who killed the youth in Katunayake and also to find out who gave the orders to shoot. This will also go the same way with some scape-goat taking responsibility just for public consumption.

marino Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:58 PM

the ordinary tamil's being undergoing this situation for a long time and the muslims of east stood by watched and even supported these actions

kriss Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:43 PM

The "Grease Men" story is not fake. That is 100 percent true. Do you think the public are mad and fool, so that they fabricate such rumors and fake stories? Grease Men are creating real trouble in most of the villages in Eastern Province, particularly where muslims and tamils live. They are not evils but humans, well trained to carry out the tasks assigned to them, targeting young women. There are enough proof for this. Police and Army support and protect them. There are enough evidence for this also. So how can you expect that police can maintain the law and order? After several incidents only people went against the Police. People like Dilruk must understand what is actually going on there. For sure, there are certain elements behind this. The mask of Grease Men must be torn and the truth should be revealed. This is the duty of the Police (not shooting the public who want the truth to be revealed)

Ans Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:39 PM

Dilruk, you come to east with your families and then comment what you experienced

tuan Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:32 PM

...in any country there are minorities and majorities...nobody can change that...even the president of sri lanka mahinda rajapakse...cannot do it.......it was just another verbally comment in politics...but everybody must understand without any race or religion....you have to be a roman when you are in rome...this is sri lanka...there is no sharia law...its true police do not act according to its rules...support the government who brought peace to this beautiful country...do not ever think muslims are superior...we all human beings are equal to each other...after all these grease devils are just maniacs...let justice decide...

Kane Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:19 PM

Dilruk is right about his views. But he does not seem to understand the real situation in the troubled areas. Why should the police or armed forces try to protect theose mistry men. The mistry man situation prevails only in eastern province and in the planation areas. It appears to be a plot to rule by creating fear among the public.

Dharan Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:20 PM

there is a mechanism for the police or army to identify or apprehend the public islandwide. but there is no machanism for public to identify or apprehend the " mystry men " suppose they comes from the forces or armed groups. only solution is a territorial army or village security groups attached to the respective police areas to protect the public themselves first.

Sammy Sunday, 14 August 2011 05:13 AM

@S.Dilruk it is the majority Sinhalese who should give up their majority mentality, so that the minorities could feel secure.

mmkaleel Sunday, 14 August 2011 05:17 AM

OK.but if the fence starts eating the crops what will happen?

Ahmad Sunday, 14 August 2011 05:57 AM

Muslim leaders? Ela Pouzi was a trouble maker, he is not acceptable and not welcomed to East.

Jaya Sunday, 14 August 2011 06:39 AM

This is not a majorioty or minority issue. if someone agaists the government he is always treet as minority regadless of his or her race ( sarath Fonseka or other opponents ). If someone supports the government he is always superior ( K.P, Karuna )

naleer Sunday, 14 August 2011 08:42 AM

Hill countries ,Irakkamam , Ottamavadi Pottuvil and sammanthurai incidents are similar to each other so it is reasonable to suspect links with police or government. And also high official's statements are irresponsible.

Fear-stricken Lankan Sunday, 14 August 2011 09:15 AM

What's really happening? Who's responsible? Who are these maniacs? What is their real motif? Who's answerable?

But one thing is clear that authorities do not want to admit such a thing is present!

E Judge Monday, 15 August 2011 08:18 AM

The real question is; Why were 2 'wildlife officers' caught inside a local woman's house in the middle of the night armed with hunting knives?. Why is a young girl in hospital still fighting for her life after being cut open by these so called grease devils? How is it that the whole area is now saturated with army AND extra police and they are still unable to capture the attackers who attacked 5 more girls in the Pothuvil area the night before last? and AGAIN last night another girl was attacked and taken into hospital? No wonder the local people are at their wits end, unable to sleep due to these nightly attacks which have been going on for over 3 week now, and it seems they are unable to get any justice from the police or the army..... in actual fact the opposite..... 8 shot (1 dead) and a curfew when they try to protest??.... This is not an uprising.... they are completely innocent and terrified and have no one to turn to for help.

Imran Monday, 15 August 2011 08:40 AM

As a Muslim I earnestly request three forces work hard to eliminate all law breaking elements in the east. We need to live in peace and not in pieces.
Also, please do not give into Rauf Hakeem, Fowzy & Alavi Moulana or other Muslim politicians demands. For political bargaining and for benefits they are misguiding our race. May Allah guide Sri Lankan forces take correct remedial actions.

DXB Monday, 15 August 2011 08:53 AM

Agree but Fawzie is far genuine than Sri Lanka Monkey congress (SLMC) which spoils/spoiled Muslim diginity

hari Monday, 15 August 2011 10:01 AM

It really hurts to read the comments here. Basically this is nit a debate about the superior race here.and not to blame just one community too. Some comments are really worse. I didnt expect such things from so called English learned citizen of this country. Its a problem of grease ghost and why people went against the forces. When hearing all the stories from the country people have realised in certain cases police did not act quickly, their action not enough. they have supported the suspects. The results of any incidents not revealed well, but with many unacceptable reasons given. People have understood something and went against the police. Police did nit handle well. they acted quickly to shoot the people. Didnt we see how how London police acted even when the whole of London was burning down..Police can not use bullets at once. batten, next water, tear gas and with precaution shooting below knee.

Suranjith Monday, 15 August 2011 10:48 AM

please act as Sri Lankan, in overseas countries brand us as Sri Lankan not by our race.

Imran Hussein Monday, 15 August 2011 11:18 AM

Fowzie is no better, didnt you see his 'koheda yanne malle` pol' speech yesterday praising his boss. He never said a word about the gease yaka or who gave shooting orders in which a man died (or two people they say). Was he justifying the pro govt atrosities?

ahmed Monday, 15 August 2011 11:45 AM

when it comes to your own family you will know how our police maintain the law.. until that you will never feel the reality of them!!

a Monday, 15 August 2011 11:56 AM

Sri Lanka ? "Sri Lanka" is younger thatn myself. I born in Ceylon and my birthcertificate says My self and my father and my grandpa were "Ceylon Tamils". Even in the birth certificate you write which race you belong. So Sri Lankan is "bull shit". I born as a Tamil and dye as a Tamil. That does not mean I do not respect Muslim or Sinhaleese or Vedas or Burgers or any one. For Tamils Police and Army are the worst lawbreakers. No one killed Tamils as much as Army and police and no one grabed their properties as much as Police and Army and no one raped Tamil women as much as Army and Police. Actually a nation called "Sri Lankan" never born.

Maqs Saturday, 13 August 2011 12:38 PM

Oh, is there a police in this country???? Thanks for the info.

Concerned Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:02 AM

If so, why are these Muslim leaders are not capable to teach that to their people?

xlntgson Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:13 AM

In the light of police inaction, think, how to provoke self defence rule!

The minority Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:11 AM

Yes Mr. S.Dilruk the law is for everybody, But you should have aware when implementing it Police have different ideas, specially when they dealing with minorities. Tell me who gave the Shooting orders ?

ahamed Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:13 AM

If Police breach law and order?

musthafa Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:25 AM

public need the details of grease men- how come police provide protection to those yakka????????????

Imran Hussein Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:31 AM

True but if the police doesnt maintain law and order then what do you do?
Dont talk cock and bull stories. This will be dangerous if you dont nip in the bud. Its an inside work apparently, and need quick remedy. Perhaps some elements look for some racial violence. Dont under estimate it.

jacoob Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:32 AM

Probabaly the GHOSTS of LTTE !!!

S.Dilruk Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:28 AM

ill Treatments to the public by Police are not having on any selected race. That's a common fact around the country. There's no minorities in SL. Muslims & Tamils should erase this minority mentality. Aren't they can function anywhere in the country ??

Minister Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:55 AM

Who is going to resign this time and which country he will be appointed as the Ambassador to?

GOT A FEAR Saturday, 13 August 2011 11:00 AM

POLICE ARE NO LONGER UNDER INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY AND NOT ALLOWED TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES WITHOUT INTERFERENCE. ADDED TO THIS, MINORITY GROUPS WITH EXTREMIST AGENDA'S HELPED BY UNSCRUPULOUS POLITICIANS ADD TO THIS CHAOS. NO POINT IN EXPRESSING CONCERNS, BRING THE 17TH AMENDMENT BACK !

Hasan Saturday, 13 August 2011 11:11 AM

Dilruk, I appreciate your view on Majority & Minority (We all should overcome from this mentality)..But unfortunately that's not the fact..Sometime there are extremists who try to suppress minorities saying " who the hell are you in this country? we are the majority"

Imran Hussein Saturday, 13 August 2011 11:23 AM

I really do appreciate your thought and thats how it should be, Dilruk. But sadly the country is full of racist politians using you race as a weapon to achieve their goals, which is unfortunate for all races.
How many times we have seen leaders using the phrase 'Sinhala, tamil, Muslim, Burgur' without saying 'Srilankans'. Which itself is a recial remark to begin with.

anjula Saturday, 13 August 2011 11:38 AM

the four grease devils are soldiers..and the police released them

mohan Saturday, 13 August 2011 12:04 PM

Truth is king deployed all those greese devils....
for a sacrifice to rule a longer time....
police is silent to get this done !

Kumara Saturday, 13 August 2011 12:34 PM

If police is not working well, bring in the army. Violence is unacceptable under any excuse. It must be nipped in the bud. Army has proven effective,

S.Dilruk Saturday, 13 August 2011 09:50 AM

Law is common for every citizen. Sinhalies, Muslims or Tamils should not have special law in Sri Lanka. There's a Police to maintain the law & order in the country.

Unchikun Saturday, 13 August 2011 12:44 PM

This is the result of when the rule of the law is send to the dustbin.

Sadeepa Saturday, 13 August 2011 01:00 PM

Police is expected to provide protection to any offender until they are brought to courts.

Dilan Saturday, 13 August 2011 01:11 PM

Did police check the race of Roshen Ratnasekera when they shot him at the FTZ protest? Don't try to make it a racial issue.

SL Saturday, 13 August 2011 01:40 PM

Similarly there are minorities that say "We are minority so we need everything for free and whatever we do you can't touch us"

Ellepola Saturday, 13 August 2011 02:13 PM

Imran. lets get those with agendas out in the open before they can harm our country and them selves too and 'nip' it off quickly.

Nilame Saturday, 13 August 2011 02:15 PM

vandalism cannot be tolerated, if we did, we would become like London. Whilst London could afford it we couldn't. london riots killed six people and made many homeless. If it gets like London in this area many many people will die and lots will end up as IDPs which we dont want to happen. Lets hope the MPs will sort the problem at grass root level.

Roshan Saturday, 13 August 2011 02:16 PM

When will the government maintain the order. After every one dies?

JOSEPH Saturday, 13 August 2011 02:19 PM

GOVT MINISTERS SHOULD BE WISE WHEN THEY SPEAK. ONE ANTAGONISING STATEMENT FROM THEM CAN PROVOKE THE ORDINARY PEOPLE, SPECIALLY MEMBERS OF THE MINORITIES. THE WAR IS OVER. ONLY THE DIASPORA IS STILL TRYING TO CREATE TROUBLE. NOW IT IS TIME FOR THE MAJORITY TO TREAT THE MINORITIES WITH KINDNESS AND RESPECT, WITHOUT TRYING TO INSULT THEM AND TREATING THEM AS IF THEY DON'T EXIST. GOVT MINISTERS SHOULD NOT MAKE PROVOCATIVE STATEMENTS. IT WILL ONLY HURT THE GOVERNMENT.

Mustapha Saturday, 13 August 2011 02:27 PM

OK we should not see this incident as communal violence, it is happening every part of the country but little more in those areas where Tamils and Muslims are living. It is very interesting the high rank officials of Police dept says that there is no prove of Greese Men, but of course every where incident takes place. So why can't the IGP issue orders to intelligent unit to arrest or find the fact. Defense secretary says that people will be punished when they take law and order, so let the police to give protection and arrest such people those make the opportunity under the Greese Man name. Sri Lankans forces are very powerful in the world to era-dict terrorism even but for minor matter like this why so silent and always taking a stand which supports the GM. This is what we can not understand

hemjey Saturday, 13 August 2011 02:38 PM

Well said Dilruk..

Abdlul-Haq Saturday, 13 August 2011 03:20 PM

I think the people of Pothuvil acted wrong. Lets not see this in a minority and majority angle. Come on guys when are we going to move forward in our lives

lal Saturday, 13 August 2011 03:33 PM

Low and order should not go into the hand of politicans.What ever happens they will be present first and they will give the instructions to police.

lalith Saturday, 13 August 2011 04:15 PM

WILL ALL SRI LANKANS BELEIVE THE WORDS UTTERED FROM NANA HAKEEM,HE"S BUNDLE OF BULLSHIT.DURING ELECTION TIME WHEN THE DEFENCE THUG WAS ANURADHA RATWATTE WHEN MUSLIM YOUTH WAS KILLED WHAT ACTION THE SO CALL HAKEEM DO NOTHING ONLY THE YOUTH FAMILY LOSS THEM AND HE MOVED FR OM KANDTY TO THE EAST AT THE PRETEXT OF A TRUE MUSLIM..WILL IS GOD PARDON HIM IN THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT?????? THESE POLITICIANS DONT HAVE CALL SELF RESPECT AND PRINCIPLES IN LIFE THEY SWITCH FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER FOR THERE PERSONNEL GAINS....SAD TO CALL HIM FROM MUSLIM CONGRESS.....

Tom Saturday, 13 August 2011 05:09 PM

me being a muslim,non of the above high profiles we treat as our leaders sadly,simply they dont have a say actully.

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Government Ministers hold meeting in Pottuvil

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