Sri Lanka Muslims, refugees fear backlash from Easter attack

After fleeing their homes in Pakistan over militant attacks and government persecution, hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims felt they finally found peace in Sri Lanka as they sought resettlement across the world.

Then came the Easter bombings that killed over 250 people, many Christians praying at church, and suddenly they were targeted again.

They say Sri Lankans suspicious of their beards, their little-known faith and nationalities shouted at some, throwing stones and hitting them with sticks. Others saw their homes attacked.

Now nearly 200 huddle inside their mosque in Negombo and more than 500 sought shelter in the small town of Pasyala, 30 kilometers (20 miles) away just one sign of the fear pervading the Muslim community across this multiethnic island off the southern tip of India.

Activists say some Muslim youths have disappeared, perhaps arrested by tightlipped security forces, while others stay at home, fearful the bombings will spark retaliation from either the government or angry mobs in a nation where interreligious violence can strike.

"The people in Pakistan attacked us and say we're not Muslims," said Tariq Ahmed, a 58-year-old Ahmadi who fled his home.

"Then in Sri Lanka, people attack us because they say we are Muslims."
Pakistan changed its constitution in 1974 to declare Ahmadis non-Muslims. Ten years later, the government declared it a criminal offense for Ahmadis to "pose as Muslims."
"We are not their enemies. We are facing the same situation these people are facing," said Qazi Moin Ahmed, 21. "We are not terrorists, but they consider us terrorists."
Some in Negombo "had become suspicious of foreigners, not of Muslims per se," he said. "In the heat of the moment, a few have been attacked."