KOLLAM:Difference of opinion between two sects at Vadakkumthala in Karunagappally has created a tense situation in the area. Though disagreements were there for some time, it intensified the other day. According to local accounts, the dispute is between Mujahids and a group of Sunnis over the construction of Vadakkumthala Salafi Masjid and the decision of the former to allow women to perform Jumma there.
The police said that the disturbance resulted after a march led by a section of Sunnis turned violent on Friday. It is said that the protesters pelted stones at the police who in turn caned them. Allegations were doing the rounds that those who opposed the mosque destroyed the property there and had threatened women and children who arrived there for offering prayers.
When ‘Express’ inquired about this to Karunagappally Assistant City Police Commissioner Sivasuthan Pillai, he said the police had registered cases against unidentified people.
“The police and the district administration are bound to follow the High Court directive regarding permission to perform prayers at the Salafi Masjid. The violence in this regard is provocative and will be dealt with iron hands,” Sivasuthan Pillai said.
In the wake of fresh tension in the area, Labour Minister Shibu Baby John held talks with disputed groups on Friday. He had said that strict action would be taken against those who disturb harmony of the society. Though a delegation comprising Collector, City Police Commissioner V Suresh Kumar and others had held meetings with the two groups the other day, the march and related violence indicates that it was not fruitful.