The Muslims say that their distinct identity should be recognized by the establishment of a separate unit of devolution in the Eastern Province. There is grave concern within the Muslim community over the actions of the LTTE. Despite assurances by Tiger leader V Prabhakaran, harassment of Muslims in the Eastern Province continues and there are allegations that the community is not being allowed to pursue their occupations in the north.
The protesting MPs say that SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem, who is also a minister in the government, has failed to assert the aspirations of the Muslim community. Mr Hakeem and Mr Prabhakaran signed an agreement of cooperation on 13 April regarding the return of Muslims who were expelled by the LTTE from the north in October 1990. Mr Hakeem is participating in the peace talks as a member of the government delegation.
The MPs returned after Prime Minister Ranil assured that the identity and security of Muslims would be protected in any new constitutional arrangement. The government also appointed a committee, headed by Interior Ministry Secretary MN Junaid, to examine security in Muslim areas.
Observers say that although the concerns of the SLMC dissidents led by Mr Athaullah are legitimate, the current crisis is over capturing the leadership of the party. On 2 December, the Athaullah faction announced that Rauf Hakeem had been sacked from leadership and suspended from the party pending enquiry over 36 charges against him, including misconduct and unilateral decisions without consulting the party.
Mr Hakeem who was in Oslo for the peace talks rushed back to Colombo on 3 December and declared that the decision to sack him was illegal. The Colombo District Court issued an interim order against Mr Hakeem acting as leader of the party for 14 days. SLMC support is vital for the ruling UNF. A split in the party may destabilise the government and affect the peace process. Reports say that the opposition People’s Alliance (PA) is already fishing in troubled waters.