Muslim civilian stabbed to death in Vaazhaichcheanai party scuffle

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 08 April 2008, 00:09 GMT]
A Muslim civilian was stabbed to death Sunday afternoon 5:30p.m. in Pireantharachcheanai area in Vaazhaichcheanai within Batticaloa police division during an election related altercation between the supporters of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Congress and those from the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPAF), sources in Batticaloa said.

The victim is identified as M.T.Majeed, 30, a resident of Nooriyar road, Pireantharachcheanai.

Majeed was first taken to Vaazhaichcheanai hospital, and then to Batticaloa hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, hospital sources said.

Arguments that arose between two groups of supporters of SLMC and the followers of ruling UPAF cabinet minister M.S.S.Ameer Ali, turned into violent clashes and fist fights which led to the stabbing, sources from the area said.

The victim is said to be a supporter of the cabinet minister.

The supporters of Minister Ameer Ali had circulated pamphlets accusing SLMC supporters for the killing. However, supporters of SLMC have responded by releasing leaflets denying any involvement in the incident.

Vaazhaichcheanai police have commenced investigations.