SLMC sought judicial remedy against any attempt to reduce Mr. Hakeem's security

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem told BBC Sandeshaya that the authorities are seem to be trying to use 'different strategies' to defeat the threat posed by SLMC in contesting eastern Provincial Council (PC) elections.

Three SLMC legislators, Rauff Hakeem, Hasan Ali and Basheer Segu Dawood resigned from the parliament to contest the polls scheduled on 10 May.

The former parliamentarians are contesting together with the main opposition, United National Party (UNP).

Mr. Hakeem said the party decided to contest though there is no conducive atmosphere in the east for free and fair elections.

The Attorney General has submitted a motion seeking Supreme Court approval to reduce SLMC leader's security, as he is no longer an MP.

The Supreme Court refrained from giving a fresh ruling observing that an earlier ruling against reducing his security still stands, Mr. Hakeem told BBCSinhala.com.