Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Moors Of Sri Lanka Are Not Perfectly Peaceful

By Imtiyaz Razak -

Dr.Imtiyaz Razak

Muslims display the victory symbol as they hold a picture of Osama bin Laden during an anti-Israel and anti-U.S. protest demonstration after Friday prayers in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, July 21, 2006.

August 22, 2013

Well, much has been said and written about the Bodu Bala Sena with regard their attack and violence on Moors of Sri lanka [also known as Muslims] and their symbols such as mosques. What the BBS did should not be encouraged, but need to be condemned to build more inclusive society in the island of Sri Lanka.

Having that said I would not think Moors of Sri Lanka are perfectly peaceful nor all of their actions contribute to peace and harmony. The recent trend and development among Moors of Sri Lanka are not very conducive to build peace and trust with non-Muslims.

The growth of Wahabists and Wahabist movements generously backed by the Middle Eastern countries and local agents, rise of Madrasas in the major corners of areas where Muslims pose predominancy, the growth of Muslim mosques on major roads and localities, steady rise of hijabis [muslim women wearing حجاب-a veil that covers the head and chest] are a few that contribute to the BBS actions and politics.

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 20 August 2013, 22:30 GMT]
Stating that 500 acres of lands were being taken over for archaeological research, the lands were being seized from Muslims at 14th Mile Post in Pulmoaddai in Kuchchave'li division in Trincomalee district, said protesting Muslims who opposed the move by the Sri Lankan government on Monday. The residents of predominantly Muslim village took to the streets when SL survey department officials attempted to survey the lands despite repeated objections by the Muslims.

150 houses that had been given to Tsunami affected civilians at Ponmalaik-kudaa were also being appropriated within the said 500 acres of lands.

Muslim residents have land deeds for several lands that were being surveyed for seizure under the cover of so-called archaeological research.

Following the protest by Muslims, the surveying has been put off, civil officials in Pulmoaddai told media.