25 May, 2008 - Published 16:45 GMT

Muslims abducted 'by TMVP'

Opposition politicians in eastern Sri Lanka accused Chief Minister’s party of abducting Muslim youths.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) regional politician Abu Haneefa told BBC Sandeshaya that he received a call about 0200 am SLT claiming that two youth were abducted in Eravur.

Mr. Haneefa, deputy chairman of Eravur Pradhesheeya Sabha, said he visited the sawmill where the abduction has happened with SLMC senior leader, Basir Segudawood.

Ethnic tension

The SLMC leaders were told that cadres from Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) have tried to abduct three workers but one managed to escape.

The TMVP is led by Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan known as Pillayan, the newly appointed Chief Minister (CM) of the eastern province.

Muslims have been protesting in the east after two other Muslims gone missing in Eravur on Saturday.

Tension prevailed in Eravur for the second day as Harthal was observed in Kathankudy and Eravur.

The two Muslims abducted were arrested by the police as their abductors were taking them to another place after police were informed of the incident.

TMVP camp in Pommadurai

The two were brutally assaulted by the TMVP cadres, Mr. Haneefa said, and the TMVP cadres shouted at them asking whether they wanted the ‘CM post’.

The police are yet to arrest any TMVP cadre regarding the incident, he added.

Police spokesman Senior Superintendant of Police (SSP) Ranjith Gunasekara told BBC Sandeshaya that the victims have not accused TMVP cadres of abducting and assaulting them, a claim denied by the Muslim leaders.

The victims have told the police, Mr. Haneefa said, that about ten TMVP cadres assaulted them inside the TMVP camp in Pommadurai.

Police deny TMVP link

Minister in EPC, MLAM Hisbullah, and TMVP regional leaders were also present as the victims made the statement to the police.

But SSP Gunasekara insisted that no specific complaint was made against the TMVP.

The victims who were admitted to the hospital are still recovering and not in a condition to make a full statement, he added.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) contested the recent Provincial council (PC) polls with the TMVP.