Civic resistance if Govt. does not allow burial of Muslim COVID-19 victims: Hakeem
Posted on December 10th, 2020
Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana Courtesy The Daily Mirror
There will be civic resistance if the government does not allow the burying of Muslims who succumb to COVID-19, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) MP, Leader Rauff Hakeem said.
He, however, called for the avoidance of it.
We have to avoid civic resistance so please change these draconian procedures,” Mr. Hakeem said. He also referred to a media report which said at least 20 unclaimed bodies are to be cremated.
The issue popped up when Tamil National People’s Front MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam raised the issue in the House earlier during the day. Mr. Ponnambalam who referred to the WHO guidelines said WHO adaptation 24(3) states that a person who succumbs to COVID-19 could be disposed while allowing the cultural traditions. Referring to court cases in Sri Lanka and India he said dead person also had human rights just like the living.
Human rights are confirmed in the constitution. The Constitution of a country is a living thing,” he said.
Cremation is not allowed in Islamism. Fire is associated with hell in Islamism. They believe that those who sin are burnt in hell by fire. This is why they don’t like cremation of dead bodies,” the MP added.
Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena who responded said the government will come up with a reply for the issue shortly. He noted that the same question was raised in the House on an earlier occasion and the government had stated its stance.
December 11th, 2020 at 5:15 am
No religion should get in the way the nation’s health,economy,security,community relations and the wellbeing of all citizens but if the practices and their beliefs get in the way then it is the duty of the government to intervene.Sri Lanka is at fault by allowing sacred areas and sacred places. Religions should be practised without getting in the way of others.This virus had prevented people attending temples, churches and other places of worship and people and believers have accepted it without making obstacles and cremations is one such need. I would like to be buried but the present situation may it otherwise.