Committee to solve problems of N-E Muslims

by Mohammed NAALIR

A three-member committee of lawyers will be appointed to solve the land problems of Muslims in the North and the East, All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) Leader and Industries and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said.

Muslims in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara districts face severe land issues. The ACMC stressed the necessity of setting up a commission to solve the land problems of Muslims while protecting the privileges and ethnic identity of other communities, the Minister said.

The Minister said President Mahinda Rajapaksa had invited the alliances which support the Government to submit their proposals in relation to the implementation of the recommendations of the Lessens Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

The ACMC submitted its proposals and recommendations to President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga accordingly. It follows several rounds of talks summoned by the High power committee, the Mashoora Council of the ACMC, according to Minister Bathiudeen.

He said the report was prepared through the experiences of those who had visited these areas and discussions among members.

Minister Bathiudeen, while addressing a media briefing in Colombo, said the ACMC has forwarded its recommendations and proposals in connection with the implementation of the LLRC report.

The Minister said certain important matters are not included in the report.

The Minister said even after the elimination of the LTTE, the Muslims in the Eastern Province are not permitted to enter certain areas to conduct their agricultural activities or for residential purposes.

"We are strong in our stance that the resettlement of displaced Northern Muslims must take place in a proper manner. I assure that all development activities in the North are taking place without any ethnic discrimination", Minister Bathiudeen said.