Internecine clashes erupt in East between Muslim parties of UPFA alliance

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 15 August 2012, 20:38 GMT]
Supporters of Muslim constituent parties in the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government of Mahinda Rajapakse clashed in East over election dispute on Monday evening. Hundreds of supporters of SLMC attacked the election office of the former Provincial Minister who is also contesting the EPC election on the UPFA ticket Mr. M.S.Uthumalebbe and set fire to his office. Two vehicles stationed at the site were also set on fire. Thereafter Akkaraipaththu Police with the Sri Lanka Army arrived at the scene and opened tear gas on the unruly crowd to bring the situation under control.

The National Congress led by Minister A.L.M.Aththaulaah and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by Minister Rauf Hakim are the constituents parties of the UPFA.

The SLMC is contesting the Eastern Provincial Council alone in its own symbol “Tree”.

But the National Congress of Aththaulaah is contesting on the ticket of the UPFA in betel symbol.

However the SLMC is contesting the other two Provincial Council elections, namely North Central Province and Sabragamuwa aligned with the ruling UPFA on BETEL symbol.