Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) MP Rauf Hakeem has called for a comprehensive assessment of illegal weapons possessed by underworld groups, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to trace and neutralize them to curb rising criminal activities.
Speaking during the second reading debate of Budget 2025 in Parliament yesterday, Hakeem stressed that unchecked shootings pose a severe threat to public safety. He urged authorities to take immediate steps to dismantle underworld networks by identifying and deactivating all illicit arms.
He further noted that Prime Minister had assured Parliament of the government’s commitment to controlling underworld activities. Recalling past incidents, Hakeem pointed out that various armed groups had operated illegally in the country, sometimes with the support of ruling parties. He also highlighted cases where weapons were looted from armories, fueling criminal networks.
“We need to locate these weapons and bring them under government control. Without doing so, we cannot effectively combat underworld activities,” Hakeem asserted. He urged the government to take decisive action in ensuring these weapons do not remain in circulation.
