Mutur Again Under Seige by Many Parties

a report by an insider, posted on lankamuslims@yahoogroups.com, June 16, 2006

First; the LTTE, which since long time is trying to take control of Mutur that falls out of hand to it in its long coastal controlled areas. All the riots and conflicts between Tamil and Muslims civilians in the past and during CFA period created by LTTE to achive this goal.   

Then; after losing a lot, Muslims started to resist the aggression. For this they found several ways like joining in the military and home guards. Also, they formed self defense groups under various names, that for outsiders, especially to Tamils and foreigners, became a thing that can't be tolerated. So, they started the propaganda machine on 'Jihad Groups' of Mutur.   

The government forces also have to take some responsibility in making Mutur as a troubled area by using some Muslim elements for their 'own causes.'  In April 2006, the Karuna faction entered Mutur with the hidden agenda for them. But for some Muslim armed elements; they became friends since the LTTE is considered the enemy of all. Karuna cadres are now in all the Muslim pockets freely moving with arms which once was considered non-Muslim zone. Now all these areas have become a 'normal area' to Karuna cadres. Muslims – not all – seem happy to have the Karuna group, believing that they will fight against the LTTE for them.

After Karuna cadres presence in Mutur, three attacks carried out in LTTE areas, in which – it said – some Muslims also took part. (There were public calls by Karuna cadres to Muslims if anyone wishes to join the attack: they are welcome).

Than there were daylight killings of LTTE cadres in Mutur by Karuna cadres.    Than there were warnings in the name of TMVP of Karuna asking all the INGOs not to work in the LTTE areas, which were followed by grenade attacks on three INGOs. (After Tsunami some INGOs were assisting the Muslim victims).    All the attacks and killings of LTTErs were publicly claimed by Karuna thru the media. Even so, the LTTE accused the Mutur Muslims. The reasons are:

• the LTTE believes that the Karuna group can't work without the support of Mutur Muslims and military.  
• Some escapees have identified some Muslim persons in killing attempts with Karuna cadres.  

There is also another element – which is not yet public – playing a hidden game: the JVP and military-backed Sinhala gangs.( In Mutur town 43 Sinhalese families are living. They have the support of the military and police. They are running business of liquor, lottery and private cinema hall/video club to which Muslims are the sole customers).

With all these; there is also another player which seems more dangerous than the others. That is the RAW-backed former militant group ENDLF, which is to here to create problems.

Two incidents reported relate to their 'power' in Mutur. In one incident close to a SLA camp, the army captain of the camp approached them not to do anything in the presence of military. In reply they have said 'we will do whatever we want to do, nobody can question us, even, we can transfer you within 24 hours.'  In another incident , some cadres have crossed the premises of a Muslim family where a lady was taking bath. The husband has said, "Don't behave like this." They replied in the same manner as above.   

This is the current situation in Mutur. From these other problems start.  

After killings of Tamils in Mutur, many Tamils slowly started to move. (Before this, there were calls by the LTTE to Tamils to come to their areas which was 'not focused on' by media.)   

Than comes the 'notice' issued asking Muslims to leave Mutur. Still many are confused in knowing the real doer. We can possibly link the issue to all the above elements. But the fear among Muslims is not the notice; but the displacement of Tamils in huge number.   

Whatever explanations given, many Muslims are in the mindset that the notice is from the LTTE.   If so, what is the response of Mutur Muslims to this warning?

• Some take this seriously 'hoping for best ; preparing for worst.' 
• Some say, let's wait for today's BBC for the LTTE's official response. (The LTTE denies their involvement: but it is a normal understanding if the LTTE denies anything, it should be from the LTTE. It is to be noted that they denied their involvement only, but did not condemn it)    
• Some say, there were several warnings like this; but nothing happened. It also could be another one.

Anyhow, we are totally under siege or caught in a psychological war.  

Problems we face or we live in:       

• Whatever happens in Mutur, Muslims are blamed by the LTTE. It makes impact in all day to day activities.     
• The land route transport severely affected after the killings of two Tamils in a bus in Mutur. For these killings, too, Muslims were accused. Also the failed attempt on a Thoppur-Mutur bus on 15 June 06, brought some danger message.     
• Mutur –Kinniya boat service also has become difficult after a boat with Tamils from Mutur –Navalady came under fire last week. Mutur-Kinniya boat has to cross the LTTE controlled Navalady, Upparu areas. But we take risk.     
• Only Mutur – Trinco ship journey seems safe. But not like before.  
• Electricity supply comes thru LTTE areas. They can do any damage if they want to keep Mutur under blackout. We faced 4 days power cut last week; during the AL exams.     
• Since nobody from outside comes to Mutur town, all the businesses came to a halt. Shops are open for nothing until 12pm.     
• The border villages are always under threat. Night displacement still taking place.     
• Fishing and cultivation: the two major income ways of Mutur Muslims, blocked by the ongoing situation.     
• Mutur is shrinking into a 1sqkm area. (already there are 14 Muslim villages in displacement).Another displacement may happen soon.     
• The rumours and possible attempts of attacks on Mutur, keep us all 'mentally tortured'. Still a strong rumor is spreading, of a possible LTTE attack on a Mosque.     
• A kind of underworld activities are taking place that brings bad images to all the members of Mutur Muslim community. Last night (15th June) an INGO engaged in Tsunami housing for Muslim victims – even after threats – was robbed at gunpoint.(Nearly eight hundred thousands and other valuable things have been stolen). The INGO residence is in a hundred persons Muslim area which now under infiltration as explained in the above page. If the few remaining organizations leave Mutur, a big gap will be created in the Tsunami development works. As you know, Muslims are the most effected in Mutur.  

What you can do?       

• Understanding the problem in it's real sense.     
• Supporting to bring the issues in national level and international level. 
• Asking all the Muslim or Islamic INGOs to be present or be ready where there is always emergency/need.     
• Pressurizing the political powers. Ask them not to play 'politics' on our difficulties.     
• When anything happened, ask local/international media/fact finding missions to come to the spot as they do when something happens in Tamil or LTTE areas.     
• Watch the Colombo based – Tamil medias which diverting the facts on Mutur into their political agenda. (Ex: Sooriyan FM reported recently that a body of a Tamil youth was found under a bridge near a MOSQUE. But the fact is he was killed in front of YMHA building very close to two temples.)     
• Above all, make DUA.    

There could be more than these.

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