Smoke Out The Perpetrators Of Terror

By Mass L. Usuf –SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Mass Usuf

Much has been talked about both locally and internationally, about the attack on the UNHCR shelter in Mount Lavinia by a gang of thugs led by men in robes. Following this cowardly attack, they heroically claimed that they had smoked out Rohingya terrorists hiding in Sri Lanka. They did smoke out indeed, but, whom? A frightened group of speechless and terrified nine men, seven women and 16 children. 

These were people who had been taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy for entering our territorial waters. The Navy had provided them with whatever humanitarian assistance they needed and handed them over to the Kankesanthurai Police on 30.04.2017.  The legal process took effect and the Mallakkam Magistrate ordered that they be handed over to the UNHCR. They were subsequently housed at the Mirihana detention camp by the UNHCR pending onward transfer to a host country. Up to this point, Sri Lanka was a democracy with the rule of law in full effect. Up to this point, all those involved displayed that innate quality of what is called humanity. Up to this point, all those involved did their part without racial or religious prejudices. Up to this point, all those involved showed concern and empathised with these innocent people fleeing for their life. Among them was a pregnant woman who later delivered her baby while in custody. Up to this point, all behaved in a civilised and noble manner.

Condescending Behaviour

Then comes the fringe elements who begin to play their evil role. While in the camp a young girl was raped by a Policeman attached to the camp. Any one may question, who would rape a young girl who has come as a refugee seeking your protection? Well, this Policeman did it. A case No. B/2030/17 is now pending at the Gangodawila Magistrate Court. Obviously, the state of affairs dictated that these people cannot be kept their anymore.  Fearing for their security and protection, the UNHCR as a responsible organisation, with the concurrence of the court and the Police decided to house them in Mount Lavinia.

When these grief-stricken people were in their new abode, staring at a hopeless and empty future, trouble strikes them again. A bunch of pussies stormed the UNHCR shelter followed by a tumultuous mob. Colombo Telegraph on 29 September 2017 carried the story along with two videos. Besides, the abused hurled at the Policeman, some lawyers opinionated that many laws have been violated by these thugs. Focussing only on the Penal Code, one may consider the following:

1. Abetting, Section 102;

2. Conspiracy, Section 113A;

3. Promoting ill will and hostility, Section 120;

4. Unlawful assembly, Sections 140 and 148;

5. Wanton provocation to riot, Section 150;

6. Obstructing a Public Officer, Section 183;

7. Utterances wounding religious feelings, Section 291A;

8. Deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings, Section 291B;

9. Criminal trespass, Section 433;

10. Intentional insult to provoke a breach of the peace, Section 484;

11. Making false statement breaching public tranquillity, Section 485;

It is known to the Police that amongst this unlawful crowd was a notorious person against whom there is a pending criminal case No. B/3720/16 in the Fort Magistrate’s Court. His name is Dan Priyasad and the video carried by the Colombo Telegraph clearly shows his behaviour.  He was earlier remanded and bailed out on strict conditions especially not to engage in unlawful activities that would endanger peace and harmony in the country. Subsequent to his been enlarged on conditional bail, there have been several instances where complaints had been made against him to the Police.  The following list provides the details:

Read More