NE Provincial Council holds 'IFTAR'

[TamilNet, Saturday, 22 November 2003, 00:01 GMT]
“The healthy relationship between Tamils and Muslims has deteriorated for various reasons in recent times. This should not be allowed to continue. All of us should make a concerted effort to bring back the golden era where two communities lived as brothers and sisters for centuries. Iftar is held to strengthen the unity between two communities,” said Mr. Majeed, North East Provincial Assistant Director of Culture (Muslim section), while speaking at the ‘Iftar’ function held in Trincomalee Thursday.

IFTAR is an event in the month of Ramzan when Muslims break their day-fast in evening every day.

NEPC assistant director of culture Mr.M.A.majeed speaking at the event.

The North East Provincial Education and Cultural Ministry for the first time in its fourteen-year history held 'Iftar' in the month of Ramzan, Thursday evening,

Mr.M.A.Majeed who was presiding over the function held at the North East Provincial Education and Cultural Ministry’s management auditorium, said that Tamils and Muslims had lived in the country for several centuries as one community without any differences.

"We got the culture of tying "Thali" (golden pendant) and "Koorai "(wedding sari) from Tamils and we gave our culture of painting nails with ' maruthonry" to Tamils. We have named our people with names such as 'Seenithamby', 'Vellaithamby', 'Muthumeeran', 'Nachchiyar' and so on to prove the bond with the Tamils in the northeast province," Mr. Majeed added.

Provincial education Secretary Mr.R.Thiagalingam was the chief guest for the function.

NE Provincial Educationand Cultural Secretary Mr.Thiagalingam speaking at the event.

"The holding of 'Iftar’ at the NEPC strengthens the concept of multicultural society in the country," said Mr.Thiagalaingam in his address.

Kinniya Jamiathul Ulama Council Secretary, Mr. Moulavi Hithaiayathullah, in his keynote address said religions teach to serve mankind without any difference whether they belong to different faith or race.

His Almighty would forgive persons who abuse Him but would not forgive man who abuse and do harm to another man, Moulavi said.

Referring to recent violence in Kinniya town, Moulavi Hithayathullah said when his council had been negotiating with the LTTE local representatives to sort out several issues affecting both parties, some shortsighted persons in Kinniya had organized a hartal disturbing the peace in the area. This had deprived the Tamils at Alankerni and Eechantivu of a peaceful environment for celebrating their Deepavali celebrations, he said, adding that he felt sorry for those people. Islam had said in clear terms that even in wartime no one should prohibit people of other faiths to perform their religious duties, he said.

Provincial Education Ministry's Senior Assistant Secretary also Mr.M.K.M.Haniffa spoke. Provincial Director of Education Mt.S.Mahalingam and Director of Education Mr.S.Sivanandan attended the event.

Minister of Muslim Cultural Affairs, Mr.Rauff Hakim, had donated a consignment of dates to the NE Education and Cultural Ministry for the IFTAR event.

Mr.M.A.Majeed has been appointed as NorthEast Provincial Assistant Director of Culture (Muslim unit) with effect from November 1. This is the first time a separate cultural unit for Muslims has been opened in the NE Education and Cultural Ministry since the formation of the NEPC in 1989, sources said.

NE Education/Cultural Secretary Mr.Thigalingam hands over a box of dates to Assistant Director of Culture (Muslim unit), Mr.M.A.Majeed. A consignment of dates had been donated by Muslim Cultural Affairs Minister Mr.Rauff Hakim to NEPC.