Sri lanka Muslims Web Portal Diversity and Inclusiveness
Situation report
Ethnic violence against the minority Muslims in Sri Lanka was witnessed again last night in a series of attacks in Aluthgama and Beruwela.
The tensions which were already present for several days due to a personal incident between two individuals 9A Muslim and A Sinhalese) that led to a brawl has now developed into ethnic violence against the minority Muslims in Sri Lanka.
The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) which is known as a extremist organization in Sri Lanka was in the area holding rallies and inciting the Sinhala Community to attack Muslims and their properties. They also used social media to incite violence and create conflict amongst the larger Buddhist community and the Muslims.
The consequences that followed were disastrous. Armed mobs instigated by robed religious persons of the BBS and Sihala Ravaya began torching houses, businesses and attacking Muslims in both Aluthgama and Beruwela yesterday. Many shops and houses were burnt and many were injured.
Government reports from the ground say that 3 Muslim civilians are confirmed dead while some are missing and many dozens are injured. Unconfirmed sources put the number to much more. Around 49 houses and shops were burnt down and looted.
The Police and the Special Task Force were on the scene but could not contain the violence. They had imposed a curfew in the area and the Muslims sought refuge at the local mosques. But it was during the curfew that the Sinhala mobs roamed around freely, attacked and committed the violence. Some reports say that police shot tear gas and rubber bullets at the Muslims while the BBS and goons continued with the violence.
The presence of the Police and the armed forces could not provide sufficient security for the safety of the Muslims. With dawn, the violence seemed to abate, but immense damage has already done to Muslim lives, property and the fragile peace that existed.
Reports are also coming in that the telephone networks were blocked last night and media coverage were also restricted. Many mobile lines and land lines stopped working yesterday in these areas. There was also a power cut for some time.
Tensions are still very high, which can lead to a catastrophic clashes between the two ethnic groups if the BBS and other Buddhist extremists continue their violence Failure by the law enforcement authorities to strictly enforce the curfew and maintain the rule of law will aggravate the situation further..
This is an attack on our human rights, dignity, and freedom to practice ones religion and to live in peace.
We request the international community to urge the Sri Lanka Government to take immediate action to stop the violence, arrest all the perpetrators and afford justice to all who were affected by it, and to establish the rule of law.
