Marad Hindu Massacre Mosque;Minorities Commission adding fuel to fire

Kozhikode:  The Minorities Commission has again raised its ugly head by staking a claim over removal of restrictions placed on the controversial mosque which stood witness to the hatching of the gruesome massacre of 2002 which shocked the entire state of Kerala. According to sources, a meeting was held on Tuesday in Kozhikode Collectorate Conference Hall. However, it was also alleged that members of the commission were most uncivil and uncouth in their behaviour towards the Collector and other office bearers.

Following the brutal massacre in Marad in the year 2002, restrictions were imposed by the Court on entry into Juma Masjid. The restrictions were placed following recovery of a huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from the place. However, the Minorities Commission sought to challenge the Court order.

According to the clauses, it is the Collector who has right to grant permission regarding construction of places of religious worship. However, Minorities Commission chairman Adv Beerankutty sought relinquishment of the Collector’s rights and demanded that the same be handed over to self governing bodies. He was protesting over the Collector’s denial over granting permission to construct mosques, citing reasons of disruption of law and order.