Author: Syed Khalique Ahmed
Publication: The Times of India
Date: April 15, 2006
Introduction: Deobandis and Barelvis take
to the streets after petty quarrel, ransack homes
An Undercurrent of tension between two Muslim
sects, the Deobandis and the Barelvis, since Id-e-Milad flared into a riot
on Friday afternoon, injuring 48, including six policemen and two deputy superintendents
of police.
Witnesses said trouble started around 1.20
pm after two boys-one from the Ghanchi community which subscribes to the Deoband
school of thought and another from the Sheikh community which subscribes to
the Barelvi school of thought-started quarrelling.
Bibi Yaqub, whose house was ransacked, said
that out of the blue dozens of boys from the Madrasa-e-Talimul Islam of the
Barelvi sect started stoning Ghanchi houses and a mob attacked their houses.
"Our menfolk were all away. We could do little," she said, standing
outside her ransacked house.
Another woman, Rahima, alleged she was beaten
up inside her house by the rioters.
Some people said the violence was planned
as brickbats were brought on handcarts during the rioting.
Rioters from both groups allegedly threw stones
and attacked rival houses and businesses. Four houses were ransacked and part
of a madrasa caught fire after a vehicle was set ablaze near it.
At least 121 people were arrested on charges
of rioting and arson after the police fired seven rounds and used 34 shells
of teargas to disperse the rioters.
None one was injured in police firing, the
police said.
A police officer said tension had been building
between the two sects in this town since Wednesday when Muslims celebrated
Id-e-Milad.
"Since that day, leaders of the two sects
have been condemning each other's beliefs in their speeches," he said.
Six of those who were seriously wounded are
being treated at the Godhra Civil Hospital, while the others are at the referral
hospital in Kalol.