Tuesday , 19 February 2013
Tamil National Alliance has shown its severe discontent concerning the controversies emerged regarding Halal issue had pointed out that government in this matter should function constructively.
The activities organized against the Muslim community island wide, Tamil National Alliance gave its stance and this was explained by its leader and parliament member R.Sambanthan
None could interfere in the rights of an ethnic society. That particular race has the responsibility to take decision concerning their religious rights.
Other religious communities cannot force their opinion concerning the decisions of race and religion.
A race or religion should take their decision according to their likes and dislikes, and this cannot be instructed. This is a violation of fundamental rights.
Halal is connected with religion. It is in practice from the past. We had to respect it which is our obligation.
Muslim people did not force Halal issue against anyone. Halal consists of preventing and guiding the Muslim community which has an idiosyncratic right.
Concerning this, needless protests and campaigns are carried out and pointless situations are created which cannot be accepted.
If government had closely observed all the ethnics and religious groups in this country, it would have done its duty perfectly in this issue, and it is accountable was mentioned by Sambanthan.
Other religious communities cannot force their opinion concerning the decisions of race and religion.
Priests demand tougher action on war crimes
One hundred and thirty three Catholic priests from Sri Lanka have written to the UN Human Rights Council urging much tougher action on war crimes and human rights. This comes as the US is planning to table a procedural resolution on Sri Lanka at the next session in March, which many regard as too weak.
The priests take the bold step of calling for an international investigation into war crimes – echoing the call of major human rights groups. They also ask for a special rapporteur to be appointed to address war crimes and reconciliation and a process of accountability for United Nations officials in Sri Lanka who failed to protect civilians during the 2009 war.
The letter, the first of its kind to be signed by so many clergy, says in the last year those who’ve challenged the government in peaceful ways, including engagement with the UN, have been assaulted questioned, arrested, discredited and intimidated by ministers, officials and members of the security forces. The letter says some of the victims have been members of the clergy, who are too frightened even to add their signatures to this letter.
The priests describe a situation of suppression targeting Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority, which they say appears to be done with intent to destroy them in whole or part. They also point to a growing authoritarianism all over Sri Lanka, including a recent spate of attacks against Muslims, attacks on journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, student leaders, trades union leaders and religious leaders.
Read the full text of the letter: Letter to UNHRC by North - East clergy
