SLMC, NUA clash at Samanthurai

[TamilNet, Thursday, 05 July 2001, 16:35 GMT]
At least twenty two persons were injured and 10 vehicles were damaged in violence that broke between the supporters of the National Unity Alliance (NUA) and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) at Samanthurai, 46 kilometers southwest of Batticaloa, Thursday afternoon.

Sources said violence erupted after busses in which NUA supporters were travelling to attend party delegates' conference were stoned at Samanthurai around 1 p.m. Thursday.

The delegates' conference of the National Unity Alliance, summoned by its Leader Ms Feiral Ashraff was, however, held at the Ampara Town Hall as scheduled.

Mr.M.L.A.M.Hisbullah addressing the NUA delegates' conference said "we will capture the leadership of the SLMC very soon."

"The National Unity Alliance led by Minister Ms Ferial Ashraff will contest future elections under the symbol- Tree" Mr.Hisbullah said.

At least five persons, including one of the co-ordinators of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by a former Minister Mr.Rauff Hakeem, were arrested, police said.

NUA is the multi-ethnic front of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.

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