Transformation of interpersonal rivalry to interethnic riot: a study based on riot in Mawanella 2001

Abstract

A rumor is one important means of mobilizing force for conflict and also work as a justification for resorting to violence. The problem of the study is increasing the density of the ethnic riot by rumors. The overall objective of the study was finding out that how rumors pave the way to expand communal rivalries to interethnic riot. Specific objective was how rumours pave the way to expand communal rivalries to inter-ethnic riot in Mawanella. The present study is an exploratory which describes the ethnic relations and rivalries in the ethnic township of Mawanella, Sri Lanka. It is based on both primary and secondary data. Tools were employed to collect data, the discussion with key informants and others in face to face contact in the process of data collection and observation. The study revealed the findings as follows. Through pre – riots, an attempt had been made to arouse ethnic sentiments. An ethnic crowd are not known to each other personally and imaginary. So, a threat aimed at a member of the same ethnic group that they belong to is considered as a threat at them. The attempt made by the pre-riot rumors had been to cater such emotions. By the present emotion revealed, what could be interpreted is, that riot leaders of both Sinhalese and Muslim communities, have made an attempt to support. Particularly, by the relevant rumors concerning the religious statues and the religious priesthood, it looks like an attempt to adopt religious fervor as an instrument to retaliate. In analyzing the nature of the various rumors spreading during the post-riot situations, it looks like a design to continue the stressful conditions without a break. Rumors are fabricated by the spoilers in the conflicting situation; they were politicians, extremist religious leaders or robbers and thieves. The conclusions of the study are Rumors are structurally embedded in the riot situation and they facilitate communal violence, in many ways, because they are satisfactory and useful to rioters and their leaders, and efforts to counter rumors to misdirected and it promote either involvement or none involvement. Rumors are employed by both sides to mobilize the members of ethnic communities to face real or imagined damages for the people as a community and the cultural symbols of the community by the said to be an enemy community.