The standoff between the Sunni factions led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar and K. Alikutty Musliar has worsened with both sides turning more aggressive against each other.
Clashes between the two groups have increased in recent times over the issue of taking dominance in mahal committees. Both factions are accusing each other of high-handedness. A mass rally taken out here on Wednesday saw the Samastha Sunni faction spewing vitriol at Kanthapuram.
The recent clash at Mudikkode Juma Masjid, near Manjeri, in the district was the latest in a series of standoffs between the two factions. The Mudikkode mahal, which had seen a protracted and raucous dispute over the issue of control over the committee, witnessed hacking of the masjid imam and three others a few days ago.
The Sunni faction led by Kanthapuram was accused of attacking the imam and three others in apparent retaliation for losing a mahal referendum initiated by the Wakaf Board. Kanthapuram faction alleged that the Wakaf Board had been biased against them in its decisions.
It was also alleged that the imam, who suffered injuries in the attack, had led a mass prayer cursing the Kanthapuram faction. With the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government giving the Kanthapuram faction a tacit backing, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)-backed Samastha Sunni faction has turned more aggressive in its stand towards their rival group.
The two groups had clashed at Pallikkal Bazaar, Kakkovu and Karipur mahals. The police had to intervene and post
guards at the mosques to curb confrontations.
“It is the unyielding stand being taken by the Samastha Sunni group in mahals where they have control that led to issues. If they start giving consideration for all, then it will be the end of disputes,” said Jamal Karulai, leader of a youth wing owing allegiance to the Kanthapuram faction.
Mr. Jamal said that he was against disputes and clashes. “We have many serious issues concerning the community to deal with. It is sad that our brothers are wasting their time and energy over things that give them no reward,” he lamented.
Samastha leaders, however, squarely blamed the Kanthapuram faction for the issues. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary K.Alikutty Musliar, who inaugurated Wednesday’s protest rally, accused the government of helping their rivals.
