LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Bohra Convention in Sri Lanka Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Illegal Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Bohra Convention in Sri Lanka Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Illegal Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

-By A Staff Correspondent

(Lanka-e-News -30.June.2024, 11.30 PM) A planned convention by the Bohra community in Colombo has ignited a firestorm of controversy amid allegations that it will involve the illegal practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on 300 underage girls from 40 countries. The event is set to take place in close proximity to the US Embassy.

Mass Gathering Expected:

Approximately 30,000 members of the Bohra religious sect are expected to attend the convention after Pakistan denied a visa to Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community. Dr. Saifuddin is under investigation by the US Department of Justice for allegedly enforcing FGM on girls aged 7 to 14, a practice that has been condemned and outlawed by the United Nations.

Reports of FGM Beyond the Bohra Community:

There are also reports that non-Bohra Tamil and Sinhalese women have undergone FGM at the Bambalapitiya Bohra Mosque, raising broader concerns about the spread of this illegal practice.

Connections to Terror Groups:

The Bohra Shia religious sect reportedly has connections with Yemeni Houthi groups, the Iranian regime, Hamas, and Hezbollah, raising alarms about potential national security risks.

Security Concerns:

Allowing 30,000 Bohra Shia members into Sri Lanka without proper border checks poses a significant security threat. The unchecked influx could potentially facilitate the entry of individuals with ties to terrorist organizations.

Allegations of Corruption:

Mr. Hatim Akbar Ally, a trustee of the Bohra Committee, has claimed that the Bohra community can influence Sri Lankan politicians and civil servants with money, undermining the sovereignty of the nation. This statement has sparked outrage among honest Sri Lankan politicians and civil servants.

Government Involvement:

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, National Security Advisor Sagala Rathnayake, and Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva are reportedly assisting in organizing the event, apparently unaware of its true nature.

Political Funding Rumors:

There are rumors that the Bohra community has promised to fund President Ranil Wickremesinghe's presidential campaign, raising questions about potential political corruption.

Citizenship and Business Practices:

Questions have been raised about how the Bohra community in Sri Lanka obtained citizenship. Additionally, Bohra businesses in Sri Lanka face accusations of money laundering, manipulating the wholesale market, illegal check cashing operations, and using the Hawala system for money transfers.

Political Influence:

The Bohra community is also accused of supporting the Aragalaya protests against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at India's request. Ironically, Gotabaya's lawyer, Ali Sabry, is now reportedly close to the Bohra community.

Religious Opposition:

Leading Buddhist monks are demanding the cancellation of the event, emphasizing that assisting FGM is an international crime. They argue that promoting the event under the guise of boosting tourism is unacceptable.

The planned Bohra convention in Colombo presents a multifaceted challenge involving human rights, national security, and political integrity. Authorities are urged to cancel the event to prevent illegal FGM practices, address security risks, and uphold Sri Lanka's legal and ethical standards.