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by P. Krishnasamy

The Eastern province is now relatively calm, after a week of unrest. Transport services are back to normal, shops and schools open with people returning to their day-to-day activities. Both communities, Tamils and Muslims, have started moving into their respective areas and vice-versa for business, fishing, agricultural activities etc. Religious and political leaders of the two communities are endeavouring to restore mutual trust and harmony among the people to ease the tension.

LTTE political leader in the East, Karikalan, at a press conference last Wednesday at Charles Hall, Batticaloa, assured protection for Muslims in the Tamil areas and this was reciprocated by SLMC frontliner and Deputy Minister of Housing Basheer Segu Dawood and other prominent Muslims who attended the conference.

Divisional Army Commander for the Eastern region, Maj. Gen. Sunil Tennakoon, chaired the conference aimed at easing the tension. Catholic Bishop of Trincomalee/Batticaloa, Dr. Kingsley Swampillai, TULF parliamentarian for Batticaloa, Joseph Pararajasingham, senior military and police officers, religious and political leaders with representatives from the Tamil, Muslim and Catholic communities in the troubled areas also attended the meeting. Peace meetings will also be followed in the future.

A consensus was reached that 'hartals', which led to the disruption of normal life, economy and harmony would not be staged in the future. Peace committees at Pradeshiya Sabha and village level will also be set up to maintain law and order. Batticaloa MP, Joseph Pararajasingham, told the "Sunday Observer" that there was a " hidden-hand behind the recent incidents". The two communities would have to live side by side, he said. Measures to restore confidence were vital and there should be mutual trust, he added.

Meanwhile, SLMC leader and Minister, Rauff Hakeem, held discussions with premier Ranil Wickremeasinghe last week at Temple Trees on the prevailing situation in the East. The Prime Minister had assured him that all necessary steps to maintain law and order would be taken. Mr.Hakeem also contacted LTTE political leader S.P. Thamilchelvan who said that another peace conference would be held during the next week to discuss further conciliatory measures.

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