Lawyer Imam Becomes First Muslim MP From Jaffna
February 9th, 2008
by D.B.S.Jeyaraj
History was made on February 5th when Raseen Mohammed Imam was sworn in as a national list MP of the Tamil National Alliance which contested on the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi ticket during the last elections held in 2004. The 61 year old lawyer hailing from Moor street in Jaffna town became the first ever Muslim from Jaffna district to become a Parliamentarian.
[Raseen Mohammed Imam MP]
RM Imam as he is generally known has replaced M. Kanagendran alias Eelaventhan as national list MP. At the last poll the TNA was entitled to two national list seats. Joseph Pararajasingham from Batticaloa and MK Eelaventhan from Jaffna were appointed. After Pararajasingham was assassinated , Chandranehru Chandrakanth from Thirukkovil in Amparai district became national list MP.
Eelaventhan lost his seat as he had been away from Parliament without leave for more than three months. He forfeited his seat as a result. Still Eelaventhan could have been re - nominated but he had fallen foul of the LTTE over certain issues. The LTTE did not want Eelaventhan as MP again.
RM Imam had been on the TNA national list in 2004. He had been a loyal Federalist and later TULF member from the days of his youth. Given the injustice meted out to Northern Muslims by the LTTE the appointment of a Jaffna Muslim as MP is certainly a good public relations exercise.
I met Imam first in 1981 when I was the “Virakesari”s Jaffna correspondent. He was then a Jaffna MMC on the TULF list.
Muslims living in the Jaffna municipality are concentrated in “Sonakatheru” or Moor street and Bommaively. Imam is from Moor street. His father was the “vidanai” or headman of the area but died early.
The father was very knowledgeable about Tamil culture and used to wear the verty and adorn his forehead with sandalwood say Jaffna old timers.
Imam himself is close to the Tamil community and enjoys many good friends among them. Some of his old Law College Tamil friends recall an incident where he dispensed with Islamic tradition at his wedding.
Though the bride was not to be seen by strangers before certain times during the wedding , Imam had persuaded the parents of his bride to be flexible. So the Law college friends all of them Tamil had sat with the groom and bride and partaken of a special meal at the wedding house. This was seen as a remarkable deviation from tradition then.
Imam had been a school teacher before passing out as a lawyer. He was practising in Jaffna. His wife too is from Moor street and hails from a rich family owning jewellery stores.
Yet in 1990 the family like all other Jaffna Muslim families were driven out from the Peninsula at short notice by the tigers. Their valuables, jewelley, cash etc were seized and each person was allowed only 150 rupees and a change of clothing.
Imam and his family stayed in Vavuniya for a while with relatives and then moved to Colombo. He started life again practising law in Colombo and the outstations. The family lives in Maradana.
The Muslims of Jaffna town though small in number had played a vibrant role prior to their mass expulsion . The Muslims were for long the king makers of the Jaffna electorate and Municipality.
The independent Alfred Durayappah owed his political success to the unstinted support he got from the Muslims.
A Muslim MMC Sultan was Mayor of Jaffna once. Another MMC Basheer was deputy - mayor at another time.
There have also been distinguished Jaffna Muslims who made a mark in poublic life. Sri Lanka’s first Muslim civil servant AMA Azeez was from Jaffna. He later became Zahira College principal. The Judges Abdul Cader and Jameel were also from Jaffna. So too was Education director Munsoor.Now Imam has become the first Jaffna Muslim MP.
Imam played an active role in supporting TULF candidate for Jaffna Vettrivelu Yogeswaran in 1977. In 1979 Imam contested on the TULF ticket and was elected MMC. There were three Muslim MMC’s then.Rajah Viswanathan was the mayor.
There was a gentlemans agreement that some MMC’s should resign after two years to enable others on the list to become municipal councillors.
Some MMC’s refused to resign but Imam was one who honoured his pledge and resigned promptly. TULF Secretary - General and opposition leader Appaipillai Amirthalingam was greatly impressed by Iman then.
Imam contested the ill - fated Municipal election of 1983 also but then the LTTE wanted people to boycott elections. Imam was presiding at an election meeting in the “ainthumuchanthi ” (five road junction) in Jaffna when some militants led by Sellakkili invaded the venue and fired shots in the air. The crowd scattered but Amirthalingam stood firm on the stage.
The voting had a poor turn out.. The elected Municipal council did not function due to LTTE threats.
Despite the reprehensible treatment of Jaffna Muslims by the LTTE there are many who have not let that cloud their relations with Tamils. They continue to maintain their friendship and links with Tamils.
Imam is one such Jaffna Muslim. He also continued to retain his TULF membership.
He was one of those instrumental in persuading fellow Jaffna Muslims to refrain from contesting Parliamentary elections in 1994.
Since the bulk of Tamils livig in LTTE controlled Jaffna could not vote the evicted Muslims in Puttalam also boycotted elections in large numbers as a magnanimous gesture of solidarity.
Since the TULF was now a component of the TNA , Imam canvassed for the party during the 2004 polls. He was placed on the national list.
When Eelaventhan fell out of favour it became clear that Imam could be his replacement
There was much controversy when the chances of Imam becoming an MP gathered momentum.
There was a strong undercurrent of suspicion, resentment and hostility among the displaced Jaffna Muslims. This was quite understandable as the TNA was now a virtual lackey of the LTTE.
Some felt that no Jaffna Muslim should have anything to do with any party linked to the LTTE. Others demanded that the bona fides of the LTTE be gauged first.
Imam himself consulted many prominent Jaffna Muslims including educationists, religious dignitaries etc. Many felt that Imam should accept the post in the interests of the Jaffna Muslims and help begin the process of healing.
Imam also went to the Wanni on Jan 20th and met with LTTE leaders. He became convinced that this was a genuine bid for Tamil - Muslim rapprochement and not a devious stratagem.
He then returned to Colombo and accepted the offer.
There was however some opposition instigated by a Moulavi who perceives Imam as a political rival.
Around 6000 Jaffna Muslims from 1500 families living in 21 refugee camps in Puttalam staged a demonstration against Imam becoming an MP.Many of the demonstrators were from Bommaively
One of the organizers M. Naushad was interviewed by the BBC Tamil service. He levelled two charges. One was that Imam had not visited the refugee camps in recent times. The other was that having a TNA Muslim MP could affect Sinhala - Muslim relations.
Imam too was interviewed by the BBC Tamil service. He dismissed the protest as being done by interested parties with vested interests. He admitted that he had not been to the refugee camps for a while.
He explained the reasons for it. Imam said that since he had no elected office he had neither the power, position or authority to do anything meaningful.
There was no point he said in simply visiting the area and doing nothing. Now that he had some political authority he would dedicate himself to their service he pledged.
When Imam was sworn in only about 30 - 35 Jaffna Muslims came from Puttalam to witness it. Another 50 - 60 from Colombo also attended.
Imam made a short maiden speech in Parliament according to convention. It was quite moving as he stated that he was only accepting office to help improve the lot of his people.
His task was to develop harmony among all people and look after the interests of his displaced brethren.
[Most of them say that they have lost their identity due to displacement-There are 136 families- 720 persons living in Koiyaavaady welfare camp in Puttlam district for more than 17 years: Pic: by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai]
His long term objective was to help Jaffna Muslims return to their traditional abode.
There was a time when many Muslims like Kariapper, Mustapha, Ahamed, Mohammed Ali etc contested on the FP ticket and won in Eastern electorates.
Others like Mashoor Moulana, Uduma Lebbe etc have contested on the FP ticket.
Persons like Ayoob and Basheer Segu Dawood became MP’s as EROS backed independents.
The nomination of Imam could be the beginning of a new phase in Tamil - Muslim relations. Hassan Ali of the Muslim Congress has welcomed Imam’s appointment and sees it as a token of reconciliation.
The mass expulsion of Muslims by the LTTE in the north is a sordid chapter in Tamil - Muslim relatios. Tamils who complain about Sinhala oppression against a minority in their midst must hang their heads in shame for what was done to the microscopic Muslim minority in their midst.
Tamils who complain of ethnic cleansing by the Sinhala rulers in the Manalaaru/Weli - Oya region must accept that the wholesale eviction of Muslims from the North amounts to ethnic cleansing too.
Tamils must apologize to the Muslims for this grave inhumanity done to a small group in the name of liberation.
It is to the credit of the northern Muslims that they still seek rapprochement and reconciliation. They continue to emphasise that the north is their homeland (vadakku engal Thayagam).
Tamils must extend the hand of friendship to their Tamil speaking brethren.
Against this backdrop the nomination of Imam comes as a welcome gesture. It is only a small step yet it can be the beginning of a long, pleasant journey.
Imam faces great challenges. He has to win the confidence of displaced Jaffna Muslims, reconcile with the Tamils and usher in a sense of confidence among the Sinhalese.
He has to better the living conditions of the refugee camps while encouraging the return to their original homes.
Hopefully RM Imam will not be found wanting as he faces up to this daunting task.
Related: Tamil Translation of this article:
யாழ்ப்பாணத்திலிருந்து பாராளுமன்றம் செல்லும்
முதலாவது முஸ்லிம் எம்.பி.ஆர்.எம்.இமாம்
Entry Filed under: transCurrents NewsFeatures
56 Comments Add your own
1. Raj | February 9th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
The expulsion of the Muslims from Jaffna is a stain on the Tamil nation. I hope RM Iman gets the full support of all Tamils in returning the Muslim community to their rightful homes in Jaffna.
DBS,
Can you please tell us what the LTTE rationale was for evicting the Muslims from Jaffna? And more importantly, what events led up to the decision?
2. varakuna | February 9th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
well said mr.D.B.S.J
3. Subra S.Massey | February 9th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Mr.Jeyaraj,
Very well presented. Thank you.
4. Jack Ranasinghe | February 9th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Excellent article and an excellent question by Raj.
5. Kurudan1 | February 9th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Dear Raj,
I think LTTE’s rational is to please the ” Eastern Tamils” and ” Eastern LTTE members” . I was in Jaffna then, there were large number of Batti tamil refugees in jaffna town. Most of them were victims of tamil-muslim riots in the eastern province….
I do not believe the stories of large amount of ” weapons were captured from Jaffna muslims” and blah blah blah…
LTTE would have split into two in the 90s over the issue of “eastern muslims”. There were no major problems with Jaffna Tamils and muslims. I hope someone back me on this. In the end VP screwed it up on this issue.
6. ilaya seran senguttuven | February 10th, 2008 at 12:39 am
The history of mankind records many acts of error which have been subsequently rectified. We saw only a few years ago German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the then Israeli President
and the Chief Rabbi of a noted German town bowing down and paying homage to the jews slain in WW2. Although the LTTE evicted our Muslim brothers and sisters in the most inhuman and brutal way - clearly to satisfy political imperatives of the day, every single Tamil in the country shed tears for them and for the inhuman plight they were thrust into. No one knows more of the deep agony of being de-housed, displaced and thrown into the streets than the Tamils of this country in the post-1983 era. They will never want anyone else to suffer the fate they and their children went thru and are indeed going thru. Tho divided by religion, we are united in language. It is lovely to hear the Tamil spoken by the Muslims of Jaffna and the Eastern Province.
It moved me to hear many Muslims still say “Vadakku engal thayagam” May this always be so - although the suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters cannot be described or
quantified. It is wonderful our brother new MP Imam has studied the mater in detail, consulted many and decided to be part of the healing process. This is indeed the very essence of education and humanism. Everyone else involved in this appointment, including the LTTE if they have a hand in this, must be congratulated. I hope I will see the day in my time when
all our muslim brothers and sisters return to their “sweet home” in Jaffna. If then there is a government or administration worth its name there everyone of the Muslims evicted should be compensated to the very last cent of what they lost. I remember that great gentleman Parliamentarian - the late TULF Chief Sivasithambaram - declaring this in very clear and emotional terms on many occasions. Let us hope the coming together of the Tamils and Muslims of Jaffna will result in the coming together of the Sinhalese in the South with these two communities. DBS must be congratulated once again for a good piece in his continuing efforts to bring all Sri Lankans together in peace and unity.
7. invicible92 | February 10th, 2008 at 5:10 am
It is a pleasure to read many of your articles. In a world where media bais has become the norn it is astonishing to see that you are still holding to the true spirit of unbiased reporting. Many Sihala media do more damage to the tamil sinhala relation than the bulet does & Tamil media too is no exception to that.
As you correctly pointed out no tamil can take pride in evicting muslims from the north. As much as tamils feel pain for leaving their mother land each Muslim would have felt the same way. If LTTE is fighting for the rights of minority then Mulsims too are minorities among tamils in the North.
Lets hope this constuctive first step taken will go a long way in Muslim Tamil relationship. After all they too are tamils speaking & only seperated by religion.
8. j.muthu | February 10th, 2008 at 5:14 am
At last ltte done good sensible thing. Hope they will use a brilliant tamil intellectuals, for future negotioans Instead of using bunch 2nd class arm militia.
9. babuji | February 10th, 2008 at 5:28 am
LTTE should dond at the first place; however this is a forward action.
10. Channa | February 10th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Another very good researched article. I always read DBS articles with interest.
As we all know TNA is a proxy of the LTTE. I’m still unable reconcile the decision of the LTTE to allow a muslim to represent them in parliament? Any way it is a welcome step. Also the mention of the displaced Jaffna muslims in Puttalam is an eye opener for all arriving at a future political solution in a post-LTTE scenario.
I trust and hope the LTTE/TNA would some day appoint a sinhalese to represent the evicted sinhala people in Jaffna before 1983, on their list. If so that would mark the dawn of a new era.
11. Sudalaimaadan. | February 10th, 2008 at 6:35 am
dear D.B.S.
You have forgotton to mention the name of Late Magbool who was assasinated while serving as Government Agent Mannar.
He was assasinated during the I.P.K.F. stay here.I think somewhere during 1987.He hailed from Vannarpannai.
This writer too walked with the funeral procession leading from the G.A.”s Residence to somewhere in Kondaipiddy from where his body was taken by Helicopter to Jaffna by the I.P.K.F.
Like in every society there are Elites,Moderates,
diehards etc among the Srilankan Muslims.
Muslims are no expection.But I think the Jaffna Muslims had a close rappat with The Thamils.They spoke reasonably good Thamil.
All these are now History.Will they be able to resettle in Jaffna?Only God has the answer.
Further it is absolutely impossible to mend matters with Jaffna Thamils (A self centered group of people).
12. rathakrishnan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Thank you, Mr. Jeyaraj,
Ltte evicted our follow muslim brothers and sisters within 24 hrs notice from Jaffna peninsula. Anchaneyar(Ilamparithi) and Karaikalan were incharge for this eviction. Terrorist Parithy enjoys those wealth looted from Muslim People, because he has a palace nearby Vattapalai Kannakai Amman Kovil area.
13. rathakrishnan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Thank you Mr . Jeyaraj.
Aanjaneyar (Ilamparithy) and Karikalan kicked out those our brothers and sisters from their homeland within 24 hrs notice.
14. Suresh M | February 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am
“Tamils must extend the hand of friendship to their Tamil speaking brethren”. …..DBS.
I am a firm believer of unity amongst Tamil speaking people in the fight for minority rights in Lanka. Back then, when LTTE forced out Islamiya Thamilar from North, I had really lost hope of our own fight against Sinhala rule.
As a Tamil who lost all our livelihood three times, and forced to find refugee in Jaffna by travelling on French Passenger ship 1958 as a few months old child, Lanka Ranee-a cargo ship in 1977, and ‘Chidamparam’ a Indian passenger ship in 1983, I know the pain firsthand of our Muslim brethren have been going through. Imam MP need all our support!.
15. KTR | February 10th, 2008 at 11:51 am
LTTE evicted muslims because when Eelam war 2 was started, SLA has send many spices and well trained soldiers from muslim community to live amoung the muslims. It was hard for the LTTE to seperate them and decided to evict enmass- turned out a bad decision.
16. mohanasundaram | February 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
This is one of the tricks by the LTTE. They are trying to show to the world that they respect Muslim brothers. LTTE never apologized for their act of ethnic clensing. However, Mr.Imam’s gesture of accepting the offer needs to be appreciated. We pray that he would not be the next victim of LTTE. God bless him.
17. anpu | February 10th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Congratulations to Rizwan Mohammed Imam, the new MP hailing from Jaffna.
Regarding the self-centered group of people, I am certain that Muslim would have been at the tyrannical centre in Jaffna town today had they had stayed in Jaffna. Always something good come out of apparently bad actions. If not for the repression and the oppression of the Tamil people in Ceylon/Sri Lanka, we would not be working hard about restoration of the sovereign state of Jaffna Kingdom. If not for the evil Hitler, there would not have been an Israel.
Muslims in the Northeast are part and parcel of the Tamil national identity, (just as they are in the south) and are acknowledged as distinct sub-group even though they are also Tamil people (just as a Serbian converted to Islam is no longer a Serbian but a Muslim in Kosovo). This sub-group would have become the typical ‘ant in the middle of a stick that is burning on both ends’ had they had stayed in Jaffna.
Objectively, one would expect that Muslims desire to be in the independence struggle would be akin to that of Upcountry Tamils. Just because they are also Tamils, it does not mean that they will have a desire to be in the struggle.
If the person who was appointed is a Tamil of Christian faith (hardly a news item), I wonder if DBS would have commented on the said appointment from the religious angle. I doubt it.
And how is it that it would not be a new item? It is because there is no cleavage along the religious line within the groups for any special customs or deviations from civil Thesavalamai practice, unlike the situations with the Tamils of Muslim faith whose Islamic laws might take precedence as demanded by the scripture.
Just by name itself, in many instances, one would not make a distinction between a Saivaite and a Christian Tamil. Hence, and being a small community, the Muslim Tamil would have become the pawns in Jaffna. (Incidentally, Sinhalese and Tamils also would not know the identity in death — a body in army uniform).
The struggle of the Ceylon Tamil community is specific as a founding people of a nation, and it precedes any conversions. One’s religion or lack thereof should be a personal choice and NOT a state sponsored activity. There must always be separation of state and the religion; that’s why India is successful. The current struggle was never about a religious issue. Even sixty years ago SJV (a Christian) was the acknowledged leader of the Tamil people and not GGP (a pronounced Saivite). SJV did not have to shed his identity to be the leader unlike in the Buddhist environ. SWRD would not have made it if not for his new identity.
My best friend at high school was a Muslim student from the south. That was nearly four decades ago and lost the contact. I wonder if he had ever felt being a Muslim in our midst. I doubt it.
18. Norm Wilson | February 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Someone asked what the rationale was for the expulsion of Muslims from Jaffna??
Pure and simple..
The LTTE which propounds tamil rights is as much as racist as the Singalese they accuse of the same sin. What have the Tamil diaspora done to ameliorate this injustice to the Muslims all the while crying about the HSZ of the Sri Lankan Army?? NOTHING.
19. Daniel | February 10th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Why is the GOSL taking so long to resettle the moslims in jaffna ?.. they did send back tamils from colombo to jaffna in one night ?.. is jaffna under GOSL control?.. The GOSL should stop playing politics with moslims of jaffna..what is the delay?
20. bala | February 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I see a lot of tamils, like myself feel for our muslim brethern who were evicted from the north. i would like to translate this feeling in to something tangible. by donating something towards their resettlement.
DBS can you please provide Mr Imam’s contact to all your readers so we all can help our muslim brethern and do our part. thanks.
21. anpu | February 10th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Re Norm Wilson
You may be right but the process of amelioration to this injustice to the Muslims and to all others could commence only when there is a just and peaceful society, and the occupation of the 100% Tamil land by 100% Sinhalese security forces.
I am sure they have conscience and will come to a just solution — independence of our people.
22. anpu | February 10th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Re Norm Wilson #18
You may be right but the process of amelioration to this injustice to the Muslims and to all others could commence only when there is a just and peaceful society, and with the freedom from the occupation of the 100% Tamil land by 100% Sinhalese security forces.
I am sure they have conscience and will come to a just solution — independence of our people.
23. Norm Wilson | February 10th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
“If not for the evil Hitler, there would not have been an Israel.”
What is this?? A gathering of net idiots?? What sort of statement is that for crying out loud?
24. Ashraf Nissam | February 10th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I didn’t see any Muslims comments here. What a joke Jeyarajah Anna.
Prabhakaran is not our Leader. We are Muslims. We don’t need his bloody leadership to live. He is the one that destroyed our lives.
Never ever can he decide our future. He can only dream about it.
25. anpu | February 10th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Re#23:
If not for the heinous evil actions of the Nazi regime, it is possible, that Shin Bet’s Zionist Terrorist Menachem Begin, the future prime minister of Israel, and others in Irgun would not have shown resistance to the British rule of Palestine by blowing up King David Hotel on July 22, 1946, and their alleged insensitivity to the plight of the escaping Jewish population from Europe. Some events serve as catalyst – a well known fact.
Begin was determined to force the British government to remove its troops entirely from Palestine and the British have reneged on the Balfour Declaration, 1917.
In July 2006, Israelis including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former members of Irgun attended a 60th anniversary celebration of the bombing.
Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future. - Niels Bohr
26. Para | February 11th, 2008 at 4:26 am
what about GOSL sponsored eviction of 1000s of tamils from jaffna?… It pales in comparison to the what the LTTE is done to the muslims.. still what is the delay in sending the muslims back now as jaffna is under GOSL control?.. Is GOSL a sovereign state caring for also its non sinhaese people ?
27. A.Rajasingam | February 11th, 2008 at 6:45 am
A good article. Imam’s appointment is a good signal to restore the good relatiobship between the Tamils and Muslims.
28. Jeya | February 11th, 2008 at 7:52 am
DBS
Thanks for details analysis in this article .
Return of Muslims totally dependent on Peace and Security in Jaffna Peninsula .
All Tamils should help all Muslims not only in Jaffna but in all of areas of North East .
we have to build relationship at all level , mere giving seat is not going to solve the problem .
Lack of Relationship Tamil - Muslims in East very much contributed to more tension and displacement .
why can not start political dialog on joint platform to bigger bargain with Colombo ?
Time has come to new political out look in Tamil Speaking context .
Jeya
Trinco
29. Ratna | February 11th, 2008 at 8:55 am
We have to be more realistic here:
Tamils were evicted from Palaly area in 1980’s.
Tamil Muslims were evicted from Jaffna in 1990.
Tamils were evicted from Jaffna in 1995.
From 1996, Jaffna is under GOSL control. Many Tamils who were evicted in 1995 have returned because they prefer Jaffna prison better than Wanni prison.
But maybe Tamil Muslims preferred Puttalam camps over Jaffna prison!!!
30. Thamilan | February 11th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Comment #24,
Sure, VP is not your leader and he never said that he was. If you think the Muslims have a future in Sri Lanka then I wish you all the best. Tamil Elam is for Tamils, which includes Jewish, Islam, Hindu, Atheist, Jainism, Christianity, Buddhism and the list just goes on……………..
31. J.H. Qasim | February 11th, 2008 at 10:07 am
This is not the way that LTTE can help Muslim people in North and East. This is a trick that they play to win the hearts of Muslim people in the East. Now LTTE is on the run and they are killed in dozens. They have lost East and and most of the areas that they controlled. Some small groups are still haunting in the East. What they want now is to get the support of Eastern Muslims and fight against the Pillian Group. We are well aware all these. They killed Muslim people while they were praying. They looted all belongings that Jaffna Muslims had. They have never apologised. Now they seek the Muslim Tamil harmony when their cadres perish by dozens every day. Let the Muslim refugees in Puttalam resettle in Jaffna and show a genuine commitment. Then Muslim people will look at it positively.
Thank you so much Mr. DBS.
32. M.Qasim | February 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
This is not the way that LTTE can help Muslim people in North and East. This is a trick that they play to win the hearts of Muslim people in the East. Now LTTE is on the run and they are killed in dozens. They have lost East and and most of the areas that they controlled. Some small groups are still haunting in the East. What they want now is to get the support of Eastern Muslims and fight against the Pillian Group. We are well aware all these. They killed Muslim people while they were praying. They looted all belongings that Jaffna Muslims had. They have never apologised. Now they seek the Muslim Tamil harmony when their cadres perish by dozens every day. Let the Muslim refugees in Puttalam resettle in Jaffna and show a genuine commitment. Then Muslim people will look at it positively.
Thank you so much Mr. DBS.
33. Sultan Al Jaber | February 11th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
As a Muslim I ask the GOSL not to be unfair to Muslims by settling non muslims in the muslims land east, not allowing us to use our loud speaker call for prayers in our mosques while allowing buddist temples to preach bana va speakers and not taking back the jaffna muslims with the resettlement aid they got from Saudi for this task.. we muslims want a fair deal from the sinhaese…
34. Bakil | February 11th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Raj,
During ealry 90’s Muslim Congress lead by Ashraf.He wanted fight against Ltte .In jaffna’s mosque muslim youth was recruted,secretly trained and armed for this.They were brainwashed against ltte, burn ltte flags…etc in side the mosque,in jaffana and chavakachcheri ,during there meeting.
This activities came to know to ltte.Maththaya was duputy leader of ltte and had full power that time and he made a decision to elimanate them within 24hrs.
35. sam | February 12th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Quote: Kurudan 1, Velu screwed it up.
As did Hitler by another. Otherwise, there would not have been an Israel nor an Eelam.
As mush as Tamils grieve for the evictions of muslims from Jaffna, majority of Sinhalese grieve for the 1983 debacle.
In the last 25 years, despite of the numerous provacations, the majority community have remained calm and the tamils from the North who fled to the south live in relative safety and resurrect their lives.
Are’nt TULF and TNA two different entities ????
TULF was born to get intimidated or killed and TNA was born to cover up the atrocities of the ltte to the world or to be their mouth piece.
‘You see, these ltte and their proxies want to blow hot and cold with the same breath’.
Therefore, for a TULF die hard, it is a choice whether to crossover to TNA and represent TULF. It is funny politics.
Nevertheless, R.M.Iman too had to come to the South to resurect his life a Lawyer & despite being a T.U.L.F politician. Remaining in Jaffna would have been death.
Now RM Iman is no more a T.U.L.F.
To accept a TNA nomination & to represent the very Organisation who chased him & his folks away from Jaffna
RM Iman can not display his TULF credentials but with a sinister motives in the twilight of his life.
Here is a TULF Muslim politicians & a Lawyer who carved out niche life as a lawyer having fled to the South, who did not give a damn to visit his folks or constituents who live in a refugee camp in Puttalam upto now shedding crocodile tears.
TULF listed required by the TNA
Sounds too good to be true. Did RM Iman resign from the TULF or obtain the blessings from Sangaree??????
36. sam | February 12th, 2008 at 3:44 am
DBS have you not yet disected the motives of R.M.Iman?
You have taken a tongue in cheek attitude towards this appointment?
Have you looked into this sidden change of heart?
Here is a TULF politician who did not give a damn to even pay a courtesy call on his muslim constituents of Jaffna who languish in Puttalam refugee camp ? This is how a concerned politician behaves or his attitude ???
37. Dingiri | February 12th, 2008 at 6:37 am
I see paralles with
Ramalingam Chandrashekar and Mohommad Musammil of the JVP, and Cabinet Minster Douglas Devananda of the SLG.
Their sole purpose is to prove to the rest of world that their pay masters are not racists.
Sadly stupid people fall for this sort of stunt. To decide if the TNA, LTTE, JVP or MR is racist or not look to their actions and policies rather than the feeble window dressing they resort to in order to whitewash themselves.
38. Dingiri | February 12th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Bakil,
If this training was so secret how did you know about it? Is this a bit like the story claiming the Norwegians are secretly training and arming the LTTE?
Also, very convenient that ridding the North of Moslems was all Mahattaya’s plan. As if Prabakaran has no say in LTTE policy.
39. Amaran | February 12th, 2008 at 7:57 am
The Muslims who were driven away from Jaffna and living in refugee camps for the last seventeen years are fully aware of the bonafides of Mr.Imam. They simply do not trust this new MP. In their opinion this man will stoop to any level to feather his own nest. They have neither forgotten or forgiven the LTTE for what they did to them.If the LTTE really wants to mend fences and rebuild relationships with the Jaffna Muslims, let them publicly apologize for their cruel act and compensate the Jaffna Muslims for the losses suffered by these unfortunate people.. Everyone knows as to what happened to their belongings after they were driven out from the North. Will they do this? I doubt very much.
Mr.Sudalaimaadan has mentioned in his comments about the assasination of Mr.Magbool. He did not mention the name of the assasins for reasons best known to him. Mr.Magbool was shot dead by the LTTE. The Jaffna Muslims are fully aware of this and the new MP too also knows this.
40. Suresh M | February 12th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Please someone explain me, what stops the Sinhala government in re-settle the Tamil-Mslims in Jaffna!.
The peninsula is in the firm grip of fifty thousand Sinhala army, and EPDP thugs,who are partners of Rajapakse brothers.
My take on this is that the Sinhala government in Colombo do not want to re-settle Muslims, and continue to use this issue as wedge between Tamil speaking minorities.
Imam MP, should insist that the Sinhala government act on this file soon.
41. Devinda Fernando | February 12th, 2008 at 11:41 am
LOL! This recent development is nothing more than Glaring proof that this so-called ‘Minority Rights’ issue is nothing more than a Farce. It is a Power Grab attempt in the light of the current Bleak situation for Tamil Nationalists which is that their ‘Political Muscle’ (a.k.a the LTTE) are about to be destroyed or dimished past the point of no recovery. The LTTE Ethnically Cleansed Muslims from the North because at the time they didn’t need them. So the Crimes against Humanity towards Muslims started… Tamil-Speaking Sri Lankans were not Tamil,…they dont even consider themselves Tamil. But now it looks like the Tamils do need them…for now,…so they try to make amends to try gain the support of the Muslims. What Rubbish! I cant stop Gut-Laughing at this pathetic attempt to Unite all “Tamil-Speaking” people against the Sinhala majority…
42. Chales Ryan | February 12th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Is there any mass agitation by muslims on any of the following events? Disenfrancisement of Tamils.official language act,standardization, 1958,1977,or 1983 riots, rrecent carpet bombing of Tami areas.
43. R.Goonetilake | February 13th, 2008 at 3:32 am
“Better Late than Never”
The least LTTE-TNA trying redress Jaffna Muslim evictions etc.
The point is that the Hakeem lead SLMC tried to hop onto the LTTE bandwagon and be part of the peace deal, while its Tamils who have fought, sacrificed and bled to win recognition to their predicament.
Muslims in the N-E would be wise to understand this. All along Muslims were with the sinhalese and helped SL Army to defeat LTTE. It’s no brainer to dwell in the past why the eviction took place etc, etc. Muslims are still with the Sinhalese and do not care of the Tamil subjugation and killings.
There is not a single event where NUa or SLMC raised any protest or did anything to alleviate the Tamil Displaced in the east last year or during the Tsunami.
It’s the Tamils being generous in recognising the muslim contribution to their struggle that Imam been selected as MP. Besides , he was the next highest vote grabber in the last elections and entitled to his appointment.
Will he stay in TNA or jump ship during Budget next year is another matter altogether.
Imam can pull his weight around the eastern province and thus, he is invaluable to LTTE-TNA in the coming days.
44. Gamini | February 13th, 2008 at 6:19 am
This is the Tigers version of re arranging the deck chairs on the titanic !
Expelling the Muslim citizens en-masse, killing them in cold blood and now appointing a token minister, sounds like great deal. I think we all see whats happening here, another ‘too little, too late’ PR exercise by the terrorists and it is only the dumb deaf and blind (of which there seems to be many) will think this is anything else.
45. Gaminii | February 13th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Why are the sinhalese not resetting the muslims back in jaffna?. what is the delay?.. they did it overnight for tamils from colombo lodges and in the 83 riots.. SL sent the tamils back to jaffna..the army controls jaffna..why not the muslims?
46. Suresh M | February 13th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Ref # 41 Devinda Fernando,
You seem to be the mouth piece of Rajapakese gang. Can you explain to the Tamil-Muslims why the Sinhala government does not want them to go back to Jaffna?.
Even if LTTE opposes it, the fifty thousand Sinhala Army is in control of the peninsula. They maintain one of the world’s largest open prison.
Can you check this out for me with Gothabaya?
Thank you.
47. Devinda Fernando | February 13th, 2008 at 9:55 am
*** Is there any mass agitation by muslims on any of the following events? Disenfrancisement of Tamils.official language act,standardization, 1958,1977,or 1983 riots, rrecent carpet bombing of Tami areas. ***
Dumbo,
All those things have been corrected decades ago,… are you able to move in in life? Do you want me to bring up Atrocities against the Sihalese by the LTTE? When are you going to stop the cycle of violence… or are you just content being a Racist and Communalist and HYPOCRITE?
48. Thamizhan | February 13th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Hi DBS!
Don’t you know that Tamil Leadership has publicly apologized for the eviction of Muslims from Jaffna..Even, Leader of LTTE has expressed his views on Jaffna and Wanni Muslims and said that they will be allowed when there will be a permanent solution to the ethnic crisi
49. MCM Iqbal | February 13th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Being a Jaffna Muslim myself, educated at the Jaffna Hindu College and whose kith and kin were evicted en masse from Jaffna while I was working in Colombo, still consider Jaffna to be our homeland and cherish the cordial relations we had with the Tamil brotheren of Jaffna.
Imam, as I always call him since our childhood days, has taken the right decision in accepting the position as an MP on behalf of the displaced Jaffna Muslims. Let us hope he will be able to serve the cause which he is is hoping to fulfill.
Just to put the record straight, I wish DSB J had mentioned that there was a time when most of the traders and tailors in Jaffna town were Muslims. The leading jewellers were Muslims. Most towns in the suburbs of Jaffna had at least a few Muslim shops. There were pockets of Muslims living in Chavakachcheri, Kodigamam, Pallai, Point Pedro and even in Nainatheevu and Mankumban in Velanai. It is hoped those days will come back one day.
Just for the record, Justice Jameel who was once Magistrate, Jaffna and later District Judge and High Court Judge in Jaffna hailed from Kandy and was not from Jaffna as stated.
Keep writing DSB. I avidly read your articles.
50. GUY | February 14th, 2008 at 12:54 am
I think that one of the way is opened to get a new minister to the GOSL by appointing this old guy. Thanks for TNA and LTTE.
51. kurudan | February 14th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Dear sam,
What are the T.U.L.F credentials after 1977?
52. Estavez | February 14th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Fernando. “Fernando” Ferdinandz, Fernandez all look alien and NOT pure sinalese to me.
Correct me if I am wrong Fernando!
Did your grand mother prostitute so that you can have a portugese or spanish last name????
You are fighting someone else’s war just like me Fernando.
The least I am full blooded lathino.
53. Charles Anthony | February 15th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Yes what a joke there are these Sinhalese with Portuguese names, I myself on the other hand am pure as they come tamil my mother can trace her ancestry straight back to Chola royalty charles is actually a ancient Tamil name (circa 1945) when we sold of the gold and a few daughters for a cozy colonial job.
54. Dingiri | February 16th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
thamizhan,
“….Even, Leader of LTTE has expressed his views on Jaffna and Wanni Muslims and said that they will be allowed when there will be a permanent solution to the ethnic crisis…” — on the LTTE leader’s terms.
And Mahinda Rajapakse has expressed his views on Tamils being able to live anywhere in Sri Lanka with all rights guaranteed and in complete equality when a permanent solution tot eh the ethnic crisis is found — on MR’s terms.
The trouble is no one believes either of them…..
55. Sandakantha Warnakula | February 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
DBS, thanks for the interesting article. However, reading through your writeup on Eelaventhan
(http://transcurrents.com/tamiliana/archives/531) and comparing the events that lead to this decision by LTTE and the current situation in the country, I wonder whether this is another ploy by the LTTE leadership.
Not so much of a one to gain political milage, but to create new avenues to bring in arms and money for the war. It sure opens up a greater tax base for them at a crucial time.
56. Tamil Diaspora | February 20th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
The tamils are treated like 3rd class citizens in Europe.Most work in groceries ,petrol pumps and pizza delivery jobs and lokoked downupon,spitted at by whites ,but demand equality in sri lanka.
HAHAHAHA .What childish politics.
My advice to all tamil diaspora is to beg your supervisors for an extra hour of Overtime rather than talk politics in this forum
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