Muslim factions of Sri Lanka ruling party trade allegations of clash

Sri Lanka's governing party ally, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) accuses supporters of the Muslim National Congress (MNC) led by Minister A.L.M. Athaullah for attacking its supporters in Addalaichenai in the East. Supporters of Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils A. L. M. Athaullah and the supporters of SLMC leader and Minister of Justice Rauf Hakeem were involved in a clash yesterday, the police said.
Minister Hakeem addressing the media in Kalmunai said today that the clash had occurred between SLMC and Athaullah's MNC when the latter had prevented him from participating in an Ifthar celebration in Addalaichenai. He has explained that it was not the first time he was turned back. According to Hakeem, he had been turned back previously and that a complaint was made to the Senior DIG and DIG of Ampara, but action had not been taken on the complaint. Hakeem has said that on the second instance he was stopped by the SSP of Ampara. He has alleged that Minister Athaullah had been stage managing the entire incident from a circuit bungalow belongs to the Water Board. He has also accused the police of conspiring with the MNC as it was the police who put a halt to the Ifthar at the last moment. Hakeem has lodged a complaint on the matter to the Inspector General of Police and the Election Commissioner.