Tale of Twin Troubles

Hariharan's Intelligence blog

Col R Hariharan-Written on May 27, 2014

There is trouble brewing on the Tamil shores, with shock waves being felt across Palk Strait too. At the core of the problem are the twin terror trails that are becoming more discernable. Analysis of recent terror activities in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka lend credence to their presence. One relates to the Indian jehadi network and the other to the LTTE’s overseas offshoot’s efforts to gain a toehold in the island nation.

Tale of Twin Troubles by nelvely

Aluthgama Pogrom & Gota’s 

Whitewashed

| by Robin Hood

( June 20, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The communal riots stoked by the Rajapaksa influencing the Bodu Bala have now subsidized. The curfew imposed for the last three days has been lifted. Though the regime has misled the parliament by disclosing false figures of the casualties there are information’s leaked from the police inside sources.

Following are the figures of casualty by the end of 17th June
• Deaths 09
• Serious injuries caused 11
• Burned injuries 165
• Totally burnt shops 86
• Totally burnt houses 29
• Partially burnt and damaged houses 34
• Vehicles damaged 16
• Shops damaged and looted 16
• Fowls and goats killed 242
• Other properties damaged 352

Aluthgama Pogrom & Gota’s Whitewashed by nelvely

Video: “BBS Is Beyond My Control; Gnanasara’s Behaviour Unfitting For A Buddhist Monk” Says BBS Founding Leader

Founding leader of the Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi thera has publicly acknowledged the activities of the organization are ‘beyond his control’ while adding that it has influenced him to strongly consider his resignation from the group.

Indicating signs of a major split within the BBS, Wimalajothi thera has criticized the conduct of the organisation’s General Secretary, Galagoda Atte Gnanasara. “Some of the words spoken by him are too harsh . . . some of them I do not approve of at all. His behaviour at times has been unfitting for a Buddhist monk,” he has said.

Wimalajothi thera has gone on to state that although the BBS was his first affiliation with any type of organization including political parties, his experiences in the group has made him realize that not suitable for him.

“So I have decided that the time has come for me to consider my continuation with the BBS. I will not leave now as the group is in a crisis. But I will be making my decision within the next month or two,” he added.

He has stated that although previously, discussions were held with the relevant parties within the BBS on several occasions regarding his concerns about its activities, the efforts have not been successful.

“They are beyond my control…. I can’t control everyone’s behavior. . . And now, the horse has left the barn,” he has said.

BBS was accused of instigating anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Southern Sri Lanka last Sunday and the group is infamous for their ideologies that promote an anti-Muslim stance among the Sinhala Buddhists in the island nation. The group was even named a ‘terrorist organisation’ in April 2014 by the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium (TRAC).

Did the BBS attack Vijitha Thero again?

Image courtesy BBC

by WATCHDOG 

- on 06/20/2014

Venerable Watareka Vijitha Thero is a Buddhist Monk and the Chief Incumbent of the Rotalawela Mahaweli Maha Viharaya in Mahiyanganaya, in the Uva province. Vijitha Thero is also an elected member of the Mahiyangana Pradeshiya Sabha (a local government council in the Badulla district, in the Uva province), representing the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). He has also been appointed as an all island Justice of the Peace[1]. Amongst Buddhist Monks, Vijitha Thero has immerged as the most prominent and consistent public critique of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS – meaning Buddhist Power Force). Despite many Buddhist Monks participating in inter-religious events, services, discussions and other symbolic events, no senior Buddhist Monk has come forward to publicly challenge the BBS’s version of Buddhism in the way Vijitha Thero has done. Despite expressing fear for his life, having been in hiding and having sought Police protection, Vijitha Thero didn’t give up his critique of the BBS.

Did the BBS Attack Vijitha Thero Again by nelvely

Muslims will lose trust in Govt

By Mirudhula Thambiah-June 19, 2014

Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem yesterday told US Ambassador Michele J. Sison that Muslims in the country will lose faith in the government if it fails to take immediate legal action, against Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.
 

He said this when the US Ambassador met him at his residence.
He also stressed on the need of taking legal action against those other culprits who were involved in recent attacks.
Minister Hakeem was discussing the current situation and his stance on the Aluthgama incident with the US Ambassador. The recent attacks on Muslims were mainly highlighted in this discussion and the reasons were also examined.
The minister, according to his media spokesperson, had also appreciated the statements issued by the US Embassy condemning the attacks. The Ambassador also pointed out that the United Nations Secretary General released a statement condemning the attacks.
 

Minister Hakeem said the recent incidents bear evidence to the Navaneetham Pillay's report on actions against minority communities in the country. He also stressed that a report submitted by the SLMC to Navaneetham Pillay was correct.
"Even if the government does not like the UN representatives entering the country to look into issues, I feel they should come to the country and examine the present situation," he has said.
 

He also told the ambassador that he was considering introducing laws to tackle hate speech.
Hakeem added that it is arbitrary that government not being able to take action against the 'errant' monk of Bodu Bala Sena under same laws they arrested Azath Salley.
The US Ambassador expressed her anxiety over all the recent incidents and claimed that the US is observing the recent attacks against the minority communities.
Meanwhile, Hakeem is also expected to meet British High Commissioner over the matter. (MT)

Sri Lanka: Justice Key to End Anti-Muslim Violence
Short Caption: Muslims stand next to a burnt shop after a clash between Buddhists and Muslims in Aluthgama on June 16, 2014
JUNE 19, 2014
(New York) – The Sri Lankan authorities should urgently investigate recent deadly violence against minority Muslim communities, Human Rights Watch said today. The violence, which began on June 15, 2014, after a rally led by the ultranationalist Buddhist Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS) organization, left at least four Muslims dead, 80 injured, and numerous homes and businesses destroyed in the town of Aluthgama and surrounding areas. 

Senior government officials, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa, have made public statements denouncing the violence and promising compensation to the victims. However, the government needs to seriously investigate who is responsible for attacks on the Muslim communities. The police have so far detained at least 40 people in the rioting; an additional 16 people were arrested and released on bail.

“Sri Lankan authorities need to do more than arrest those carrying out the anti-Muslim violence. They need to investigate and identify any instigators,” said Brad Adams, Asia director. “That means taking a hard look at the role and relationship between extremist Buddhist groups like the BBS and the Sri Lankan security forces.”

Buddhists and Muslims have previously had conflicts in Aluthgama, about 60 kilometers south of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. The latest incident was sparked by a minor traffic incident on June 14 between Muslim youths and the driver of a van carrying a Buddhist monk. The BBS held a protest rally the next day purportedly to express concerns for the safety of Buddhists in the area. At the rally, BBS leader Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, gave a speech claiming that the majority Sinhalese population was in need of protection and that the government security forces deployed at the meeting were against them. Soon after, mobs carrying poles and other weapons went on a rampage, attacking Muslims and Muslim homes and businesses in the town. Even after the government ordered a curfew, Muslim homes and properties were targeted in nearby Beruwala, Welipenna, and Dharga-Town.

In addition to providing prompt relief for those who suffered harm in the attacks, the authorities should create a secure environment for members of all communities. Those who were witnesses to the violence should be able to come forward. Although there have been calls for peace by various religious leaders, the government should also develop a plan with participation from all communities to address the longer-term tensions and create mechanisms for addressing them.

The authorities should also immediately investigate the June 19 attack on Watareka Vijitha Thero, a Buddhist monk, who has campaigned for inter-faith harmony. The police reported finding him with injuries and cuts, and his hands and feet tied. Sri Lankan human rights activists reported that earlier the monk had been publicly threatened by BBS leader Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.

“The Rajapaksa government has long been ineffectual in holding those responsible for abuses to account,” Adams said. “To end these attacks, the government needs to finally show a willingness to tackle violence against minority populations head on, especially through justice and accountability for the victims.”

It Took Barely Two Months For BBS Gnanasara To Carry Out Malwatte Mahanayake’s Orders

June 20, 2014 

Grave concerns have been raised over the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddharta Sumangala thero sanctioning the activities of the Buddhist organisation Bodu Bala Sena (BBS).

In a meeting between the BBS and the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu chapter on April 23, BBS General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasarahas been recorded pledging, that they would not continue any of their activities without the consent of the Chief Prelate.

“We will definitely heed your instructions; if you tell us tomorrow to stop, we will. But we will never stop because of the words of any politician – not even under pain of death. . .” Gnanasara told the Chief Prelate.

This pledge was made following a remark made by Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddharta Sumangala thera that concedes the unruly actions of the BBS.

He justifies the actions of the BBS stating, “Monks who voice their concerns publicly, do so in order to protect and preserve this country and the religion. Unfortunately, despite the many Ministers of this government, none have been able to offer effective solutions to the concerns expressed by the monks. . .”

He goes on to tell the BBS to ‘do something’, expressing a sense of desperation.

“In a newspaper I read, you had been quoted stating that you can create or topple governments. So do something!” he tells the unruly monk from BBS seated on his side.

Despite this meeting taking place over two months ago, it has been highlighted due to the comments made by the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, to a monk who has been repeatedly criticised for his remarks that incites racial hatred. He is presently held responsible for the violence that occurred in the coastal towns of Beruwala and Aluthgama on Sunday that targeted Muslims, following a speech he made at a BBS rally in the area.

“It took only two months for Gnanasara to accomplish the task given to him by Malwatte Mahanayake” a peace loving Buddhist monk told Colombo Telegraph.

Apart form Chief Prelate, Ven, Dawuldena Gnanissara thero, the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Chapter, none of the monks of the highest Buddhist chapters, including , m M, have not condemned the Sundays attack against Muslims.

Watch the video below;

Muslims in East protest against Sinhala Buddhist violence in South

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 18 June 2014, 23:04 GMT]
Tamil-speaking Muslims in Kaaththaankudi observed hartal in protest against the anti-Muslim violence incited by the extremist Sinhala Buddhist Power Force (Bodu Bala Sena) in Beruwala in South. The SL State, which has high level relations with the BBS, has failed even the sections of Muslims who subscribe themselves as a ‘minority’ in ‘Sri Lanka’, the Muslim leaders in Kaaththaankudi in Batticaloa complained. After the war against Tamils, now the SL State is in full preparation for another war against the Tamil-speaking Muslims, they said. Among the thousands of Muslim protesters in Kaaththaankudi, only one person carried the Lion flag of genocidal Sri Lanka, while the organisers, the Federation of Mosques and the Kaaththaankudi Jamiyyathul Ulama, were pleading with the SL President to protect the properties of Muslims with the banner: ‘We are the citizens of Sri Lanka’. 

However, all the Muslim speakers were condemning the rapport existing between the extremist BBS and the ruling elite of the Sri Lankan State. 

The occupying SL military and police were deployed at the places where Muslims gathered to stage protests. 

Shops remained closed at Kalmunai, Ampaa'rai

People who participated in the protest were demanding an immediate end to what they termed as religious violence (Matha vanmu’rai) against the Muslims and immediate protection of the Muslims. 

The peaceful protests were also held at Thoappoor, Ki’n’niyaa and Moothoor in Trincomalee district. 

Shops were shut down in Kalmunai, Marutha-munai, Kalmunaik-kudi, Chaayntha-maruthu, Chammaan-thu’rai and Ninthavoor. Students didn’t attend schools. Muslim towns, suburbs and villages were completely shut down in Ampaa’rai district. 

The biggest demonstration in the East was held on Tuesday in Kaaththaankudi. 

In the biggest rally held in Kaaththaankudi, the Muslims had only one man carrying the flag of genocidal Sri Lanka, passing a ‘subtle message’ to the SL State

Unity Amongst Muslim Politicians, Need Of The Hour

| by Aboobacker Rameez

( June 20, 2014, Singapore City , Sri Lanka Guardian) Much has been written about what had happened in Aluthgama a few days ago. In short, a personal altercation involving a driver of monk and two Muslim youth did not cause for the Aluthgama riot. 

Unity Amongst Muslim Politicians, Need of the Hour by nelvely

Video: Aluthgama Sinhala Victims

June 20, 2014
Jathika Hela Urumaya provincial councilor Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe visited Aluthgama, Beruwala and Dharga Town areas yesterday to see the Sinhala victims of the Buddhist-Muslim deadly communal violence that followed the Sunday rally by hardline Buddhist nationalist monks.

After the visit JHU says that five Sinhala houses and a few Sinhala owned shops were attacked, burnt or destroyed.

*Photos and video supplied by the JHU.

The Government’s failure to firmly counter persistent trends of religious intolerance is irresponsible - Friday Forum

The Government’s failure to firmly counter persistent trends of religious intolerance is irresponsible - Friday Forum

extensive damage to houses and shops

Strong and concerted action the urgent need-Thursday, June 19, 2014

The Friday Forum is appalled at the violence in Aluthgama, Beruwala and other areas over the period June 14-16. Three deaths, an estimated 80 injured and extensive damage to houses and shops have been reported in the international and private media creating fear and tension in the country. We condemn these violent acts and call for the law to take its course with the perpetrators. We welcome the declaration of a curfew in the affected areas and the calls for restraint from all parties.

After sixty-six years as an independent nation state we have still not learned that neither majoritarianism nor aggressive identity politics will help us to forge national harmony in the plural society that we have inherited from our rich historical past. While extremism and demagoguery may be the price we have to pay for the democratic way of life we have, the rule of law demands that curbs be placed on organizations and individuals, whether from the clergy or laity, who preach hatred and advocate violence. Such organizations and individuals cannot be allowed to hold meetings inciting attacks on fellow citizens. It is ironic that those most vociferous in condemning the international investigation of our "internal affairs" should be the very forces whose conduct makes such investigation both inevitable and justified.

The Government’s failure to firmly counter persistent trends of religious intolerance is irresponsible. The Presidential twitter and the vague report of a ‘mechanism’ being set up are weak responses to the incidents that have taken place which have the potential to escalate into a major conflagration. We call for stringent action to be taken against those who have flouted the law. We call upon the security forces to fulfill effectively and impartially their role in the protection of human life and property and the preservation of law and order. We call upon the Government and the Opposition, on religious and community leaders, on trade unions and other organizations and on groups of right- thinking persons throughout our land, to make strong and concerted national appeals for peace and harmony.

On Sri Lanka, Religious Attacks in Aluthgama Met With UN Silence

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, June 16 -- In Sri Lanka the Buddhist extremist attacks on Muslims by the Bodu Bala Sena in Aluthgama have so far been met with silence by the UN. 

 

On Sri Lanka, Religious Attacks in Aluthgama Met With UN Silence by nelvely

Sri Lanka: UN rights chief alarmed at inter-communal violence, urges end to hate speech

Outside a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Photo: IRIN

16 June 2014 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced her deep alarm today at inter-communal violence taking place in south-western Sri Lanka in which several people have reportedly been killed and scores injured.

“The Government must urgently do everything it can to arrest this violence, curb the incitement and hate speech which is driving it, and protect all religious minorities,” said Navi Pillay.

The violence erupted yesterday in the town of Aluthgama following a large rally of the Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) to protest an alleged assault a few days earlier by a Muslim youth against a monk visiting the local temple.

After the rally, violence erupted on both sides as the BBS and supporters moved in procession through Muslim neighbourhoods, allegedly chanting anti-Muslim slogans, the High Commissioner’s office (OHCHR) said in a news release.

Homes, shops and mosques were reportedly attacked and some set ablaze. Despite a curfew and deployment of approximately 1,200 police, violence apparently continued into the night, the Office reported.

“I am very concerned this violence could spread to Muslim communities in other parts of the country,” said Ms. Pillay. “The authorities must immediately bring the perpetrators of such attacks to book and make it clear to the religious leadership on both sides, and to political parties and the general public, that there is no place for inflammatory rhetoric and incitement to violence.

“At the same time, the security forces must use appropriate measures to contain the situation and ensure this tragic situation is not compounded by any excessive use of force,” she added.

During her August 2013 visit to Sri Lanka, and in her subsequent reports to the UN Human Rights Council, Ms. Pillay warned about the rising level of attacks against religious minorities and the incitement of violence by Sinhala Buddhist nationalist groups.

OHCHR noted that while the Government had promised amendments to enhance existing laws with regard to hate speech, these have yet to be adopted.

The Human Rights Council in March 2014 expressed its alarm at the significant surge in attacks against members of religious minority groups in Sri Lanka, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

Prompt Action On Aluthgama Violence Taken – Sri Lanka Tells UNHRC

MJune 20, 2014

Sri Lanka has informed the UNHRC today the anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Southern Sri Lanka was instigated by several Muslims while conveniently ignoring the role played the Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena(BBS) in the deadly attacks.

Manisha Gunasekera

Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva,Manisha Gunasekera who placed on record the sequence of events that led to the incidents of communal violence in Aluthgama and Beruwala noted an incident that occurred on June 12 involving a Buddhist monk and some Muslim youth as the starting point of the chain of events that led to violence on June 15 and 16 in the areas.

“On 12th June, a Buddhist monk was assaulted by three Muslim youth, following a dispute. The three suspects were produced before the Magistrate and remanded, while the monk who made a statement to the Police, was admitted to hospital. On 15th June, the Buddhist monk was proceeding to the temple accompanied by some other monks and lay persons, when stones were thrown at the group as they were passing the Mosque in Dharga Town. This incident led to the violence, which spread to Beruwala by 16th June. Police was compelled to use tear gas and impose curfew to bring the situation under control,” she informed the Council.

Nowhere in the sequence of events has the rally that was held by the BBS or the racist comments made by its General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara been mentioned.

Gunasekera addressing the Council furthermore has added the Government of Sri Lanka does not condone any acts of violence against any religious or ethnic community while adding the government remains deeply committed to protecting the lives of all its citizens, places of worship and property.

These statements were made exercising a Right of Reply in response to references made by Germany, Norway and Canada during the General Debate at the 26th UNHRC sessions today.

We publish below the statement in full;       Mr. President,               Read More