Muslim Congress and National Congress clash in Ampara

A tense situation was reported in the Addalaichenai area in the Ampara District this evening following a clash between supporters of two political parties. 

The clash had taken place between supporters of Minister Rauf Hakeem’s Sri Lankan Muslim Congress (SLMC) and Minister Athaulla’s National Congress, both constituent members of the ruling UPFA, Ada Derana reporter said.

It is said that supporters of the National Congress had allegedly stormed and attacked an Iftar Dinner organized by the SLMC in Akkaraipattu, sparking the tense situation.

SLMC leader and Justice Minister Rauf Hakeen was scheduled to attend the event, however police had advised him not to as they could not guarantee his safety. Therefore Hakeem and other party members, on their way to Akkaraipattu, had stopped at Addalaichenai.

Later a group of individuals had pelted stones and attacked the vehicles of the SLMC members in Addalaichenai which resulted in a major confrontation between supporters of the two parties.

Police and army personnel were deployed to disperse the crowd after the tense situation had escalated, police said however adding that the situation is now under control.