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Sectarian violence erupts in Kalol after Id-e-Milad celebrations, 48 injured

Sectarian violence erupts in Kalol after Id-e-Milad celebrations, 48 injured

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.


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