-By Legal correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -27.Jan.2025, 11.00 PM) Politics in Sri Lanka has always been a stage for drama, intrigue, and controversy. But some stories transcend the usual political bickering and touch on deeper, darker truths. One such story involves the Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Imthiyaz Bakir Makar, whose past is allegedly tainted by the murder of a Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) supporter, Naufer, in China Fort, Beruwala.
This isn’t just a story of political rivalry—it’s a tale of unauthorized weapons, political impunity, and an unresolved crime that continues to haunt the narrative of Sri Lanka’s political landscape. With calls growing louder for a thorough investigation, particularly under the NPP government’s commitment to transparency, the spotlight is once again on Imthiyaz and the fatal events of that day.
The incident unfolded in the bustling area of China Fort, Beruwala, a hub of activity and political tension. Naufer, a known SLMC supporter, was gunned down in broad daylight by one of Imthiyaz Bakir Makar’s bodyguards. This was no random act of violence—it was a politically charged killing that sent shockwaves through the community.
What makes this case particularly troubling is the nature of the weapon used. The gun in question, reportedly unauthorized and without proper permits, was allegedly obtained through channels outside the purview of the police or the Ministry of Defense. This raises serious questions about how such weapons ended up in the hands of Imthiyaz’s security detail.
At the heart of the controversy is the unauthorized weapon. In a country where firearm permits are strictly regulated, how did Imthiyaz’s bodyguard acquire a gun that wasn’t authorized by the state?
Critics argue that this wasn’t just a lapse in oversight—it was a deliberate move to arm political loyalists in a volatile climate. The gun’s presence, combined with its use in a political murder, paints a picture of a deeply flawed system where power often overrides accountability.
Imthiyaz, now Chairman of the SJB and a seasoned politician, claims he wasn’t directly involved in the killing. His defense is predictable: the bodyguard acted independently. But legal experts point out that the chain of accountability doesn’t end there.
1. Who Authorized the Weapon?
Even if Imthiyaz didn’t pull the trigger, the fact remains that his bodyguard used an unauthorized weapon. As the employer and benefactor of the bodyguard, Imthiyaz must answer for how the weapon was obtained and why it was in the hands of his security detail.
2. Political Motive:
Naufer’s murder wasn’t a random crime. It was a politically charged killing that directly benefited Imthiyaz by eliminating an opponent’s supporter. Was this a calculated move to suppress dissent, or a tragic escalation of political rivalry?
3. Historical Context:
This isn’t the first time Sri Lankan politics has been marred by violence. The killing of political opponents has long been a tool for consolidating power. Imthiyaz’s case fits into a larger pattern of impunity, where those with influence escape justice.
Imthiyaz has often boasted about his qualifications as a lawyer, though it’s widely known that he never practiced in court. Critics have labeled him a man who can’t argue a case because he lacks the skill to do so effectively. His legal background, however, does little to shield him from the growing calls for accountability in Naufer’s murder.
One Colombo-based lawyer remarked, “If Imthiyaz was as skilled at legal arguments as he claims, he’d know that the defense of ‘I wasn’t involved’ doesn’t absolve him of responsibility. The question is: who armed his bodyguard, and why?”
Rauf Hakeem, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and a key ally of the SJB, has been noticeably silent on the issue. As the leader of a party that lost one of its supporters to political violence, Hakeem has a duty to demand justice for Naufer.
Why has Hakeem remained quiet? Is it political caution, or is there a deeper reason for his reluctance to pursue the matter? His silence speaks volumes, particularly as the SLMC positions itself as a party that champions the rights of Sri Lanka’s Muslim community.
Under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the National People’s Power (NPP) government has pledged to restore accountability and transparency in Sri Lanka. The unresolved murder of Naufer presents a litmus test for these promises.
1. Reopen the Case: Launch a thorough investigation into Naufer’s murder, focusing on the source of the unauthorized weapon and the chain of command within Imthiyaz’s security team.
2. Question Imthiyaz: Hold Imthiyaz accountable for his bodyguard’s actions and investigate his potential role in orchestrating the killing.
3. Protect Witnesses: Ensure that those with information about the case are safeguarded against intimidation or retaliation.
4. Set a Precedent: Send a clear message that political violence will no longer be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s influence.
Naufer’s family continues to mourn their loss, even as they face an uphill battle for justice. For them, this isn’t just a political issue—it’s a deeply personal tragedy.
One family member remarked, “We’ve waited years for answers. Every day, we live with the pain of knowing that the person responsible for Naufer’s death walks free. We just want justice.”
The murder in China Fort has cast a long shadow over Beruwala, a town already fraught with political tensions. For the residents, the case is a grim reminder of how power dynamics often dictate justice in Sri Lanka.
One local resident said, “China Fort isn’t just about trade and community—it’s about survival. When someone like Imthiyaz can get away with this, what hope do ordinary people have?”
Imthiyaz’s political career is rooted in his family’s legacy. His father, a former speaker and his Grandfather, Unani medical practitioner, paved the way for Imthiyaz’s entry into politics. But critics argue that the family’s rise to prominence has been marred by opportunism and a lack of accountability.
Imthiyaz’s Grandfather was once described as a “snake oil salesman,” a jab at his Unani medical practice. Now, Imthiyaz faces allegations that his political career is built on a similarly shaky foundation, one that includes violence, cronyism, and impunity.
For Imthiyaz, the clock is ticking. The NPP government’s focus on accountability could bring renewed attention to Naufer’s murder, forcing Imthiyaz to answer for the actions of his bodyguard and his own potential role in the crime.
For Sri Lanka, this case represents an opportunity to break the cycle of political violence and impunity. By holding Imthiyaz accountable, the government can signal a new era of justice and transparency.
Naufer’s murder is more than a political scandal—it’s a test of Sri Lanka’s commitment to justice. The allegations against Imthiyaz Bakir Makar are serious, and the questions surrounding the unauthorized weapon, the motives, and the broader political implications demand answers.
For the NPP government, reopening this case isn’t just about resolving a single crime—it’s about restoring faith in the justice system. And for Imthiyaz, it’s a reminder that even in Sri Lankan politics, there’s only so long you can run from the truth.
As one resident of Beruwala put it, “Justice delayed is justice denied. But justice ignored is justice lost forever.” Let’s hope Sri Lanka chooses the former.
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by (2025-01-27 18:08:13)
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