Mixed reactions have characterized the post-terror events in Sri Lanka, with groups of people crying to have the terrorists back, while others condemning them for their atrocities.
The suicide bombers were identified to be from a wealthy family that was admired and respected by the locals in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The suicide bombers’ father was a wealthy spice trader in Sri Lanka who had gained fame and respect for his generous contributions of food and money to the poor.
Mohamed Ibrahim was arrested immediately after the Sunday explosions ceased, and reports indicate that he may have exposed his sons.
Ibrahim had six sons and three daughters.
One of his sons, Inshaf Ibrahim is said to be among the two suicide bombers who were seen in a CCTV footage accessing the Shangri-La Hotel where guests were being treated to a breakfast buffet.
Several foreigners lost their lives in the attack, where two explosives went off.
An American citizen lost two of his children right in front of his very eyes at the hotel.
Inshaf was a copper factory owner in Colombo, and his staffers speak highly of him as one of the “best bosses ever.”
“He was kind, unlike like many bosses. I was happy working for him,” said Sarowar, a Bangladeshi worker at Inshaf’s abandoned copper factory on the outskirts of Colombo. “He is gone. What do I do now?”
After intelligence reports pointed fingers at the wealthy family brothers, police went to conduct an impromptu raid in Inshaf’s younger brother, Ilham’s house.
However, on seeing the police cordoning off his compound, Ilham is said to have detonated a bomb which ended up killing him, his wife, and their three children on the spot.
“They seemed like good people,” Fazla told Reuters from her rundown home opposite the Ibrahim family residence.
Caused Trouble to Muslim Community
Neighbours remember the Ibrahim brothers as generous people in the society who would help the needy without much prodding.
However, with a tainted image, the Ibrahims are seen to have ignited an old fierce sectarian conflict that threatened to tear Sri Lanka into half.
In the war that lasted for 26 years, some 70,000 people were killed, and many others maimed.
“He was famous in the area for helping the poor with food and money. It’s unthinkable his children could have done that,” Fazla said, glancing affectionately at her two young daughters. “Because of what they have done, all Muslims are treated as suspects.”