Muslims unfairly branded as extremists: Rauff Hakeem

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem said the Muslim community in Sri Lanka are being unfairly branded as extremists and terrorists, particularly after the Easter Sunday attacks.

Speaking at the 20th Commemoration Day of the Founder Leader of the Party, the late M.H.M.Ashraff, which was held in Muttur, Trincomalee district, Hakeem said that minorities in Sri Lanka has been accused of either being extremists or terrorists.

He said that following the Easter Sunday attacks the Muslim community, including Muslim leaders, who have been accused of having links with terrorists. Hakeem said that even certain electronic and print media turned the entire issue into a crisis.

The SLMC leader also said that the Government and Opposition have failed to realize that either party will require the support of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress on the road ahead.

Hakeem said the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP), which were two main political parties in Sri Lanka, have become dysfunctional and have almost disappeared from the political arena at present.

He said that many efforts were also made to destroy Sri Lanka Muslim Congress. However, Hakeem said the SLMC could not be easily defeated.

Party leader further said the five SLMC MPs elected to Parliament have been bestowed with the responsibility of safeguarding SLMC. The activities of the five SLMC MPs in parliament will be carefully scrutinized over the next five years. Hakeem said the SLMC MPs will have to work together in this regard for the benefit of the community and the nation.

The Guest Speech was delivered by Prof. Bacha Hussain Miya, a prominent scholar while SLMC parliamentarians, former members of provincial councils, past and present members of local Bodies, and party stalwarts participated at the event.

SLMC Founder Leader M.H.M.Ashraff died on the 16th of September 2000 in a Helicopter accident. Since then Rauff Hakeem leads the Party.