Muslim factions clash over right on Mosque

Tense moments at Madeena Masjid

Courtesy:www.newindpress.com

KOCHI: The Madeena Masjid at Pulleppady witnessed tense moments on Friday when two groups led by rival Imams came to blows over the right to lead the Friday prayers.

According to the Ernakulam Town Central Police, both the groups wanted the Imam of their choice to lead the prayers.

The existing Imam and his supporters were opposed to the appointment of a new Imam by the governing body of the masjid.

Following a clash between these groups on March 9 over the issue, the Wakaf Tribunal directed that status quo should be maintained in that regard.

But both the groups argued that in order to maintain status quo, their Imam should lead the prayers. This led to Friday’s tension. Later, police dispersed the crowd.

Following the March 9 clash, the police had submitted a report to the District Collector stressing the need for closing down the masjid in view of the clashes.