<b>Internationalise Muslim problems, says Hakeem</b>

The Island

SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem has advocated internationalising the problems faced by Muslims here by drawing the attention of other countries, especially the Islamic states in Arab nations.

Speaking at the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Islamic Refai Thrqa at the BMICH on Friday, Hakeem said that there was a belief in the past that suffering was the cause of war. But today the Muslims in the East faced a threat to their security in a climate of peace and are unable to earn their livelihood from day to day activities like fishing and agriculture.

Hakeem urged the people of this country and specially the Muslims to set aside their differences and unite towards finding a permanent solution to the ethnic problem.

The minister said that the Refai Thrqa movement had rendered yeoman service to the Muslim community over several decades. It has been specially responsible for the spiritual upliftment of the community.

At a time when there was a threat to the Muslims in the East who are undergoing a lot of hardship, movements such as the Refai Thrqa should get more involved in the peace process, he said.

Hakeem urged all Muslims to unite and cautiously tread the path to peace. (FRS).

- The Island -