Muslim DPs being denied aid, says NGO

Published September 30, 2006

COLOMBO, Sept 29: A non-governmental organisation has alleged that Sri Lankan Muslims who fled Muttur after LTTE threats are not being given relief rations unless they return to the town.

“Leaflets distributed in Muttur, purporting to be from the LTTE, have caused many amongst the largely Muslim population to flee. Now these people are being compelled to return to Muttur by the security forces and are also being denied relief rations unless they return to Muttur.

“These are actions that are in violation of all norms of international humanitarian conduct,” the National Peace Council said on Friday.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauf Hakeem, addressing parliament on Thursday, raised concern over the alleged police eviction of Muslims from two refugee camps.

Mr Hakeem called upon the Sri Lankan government to take steps for ending the harassment of Muslims. He described as a ‘coercive measure’ the decision by government agencies not to allow distribution of relief goods among the displaced.

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