Citizens Commission does not endorse Minister’s alleged actions
The Citizens’ Commission on the Expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province said it categorically endorsed the independence of the judiciary and respected the the rule of law.
In a statement it said its recent report unfortunately seemed to have been read by many as an endorsement of Minister Rishard Bathiutheen’s alleged actions.
“We want to state quite categorically that the minis-
We want to state quite categorically that the minister’s actions- if proven--cannot be justified through recourse to statements about the difficulties of return by the expelled Muslims
ter’s actions- if proven--cannot be justified through recourse to statements about the difficulties of return by the expelled Muslims” it added.
The Commission says that it also feels that while peaceful protests are a valid way of expressing dissatisfaction with authority, resorting to violence is dangerous, inappropriate and unhelpful.
“We also want to state quite categorically that the Commission is committed to the peaceful coexistence of the many communities in Mannar” the statement said.
The Commission statement said “although there are many difficulties faced by the returning Muslims we are also quite aware that these are perhaps inevitable after twenty years. Both communities have been affected, and the Muslims’ right to return should not be seen as being in opposition to the Tamils’ right to resettlement and relocation after many years of debilitating conflict. “