A resident of the area expressed surprise over police inaction during construction of the mosque
Nellore mayor Md. Abdul Azeez argues with police at the controversial site in Ramnagar, as the Muslim brethren encroach the site and continue prayers at Nellore on Thursday. (Photo: DC)
Nellore: Tension prevailed in Ram Nagar of Nellore when a large number of Muslims, led by Nellore Mayor Abdul Azeez, barged into a disputed site, where they constructed a temporary mosque two days ago to offer prayers, despite police attempts to prevent them on Thursday.
Muslims claim that it was their burial ground for decades but someone sold the 93 cents worth of property to different people in 2000 and wakf board is also claiming rights over the property. In this backdrop, higher authorities deployed large number of police near the site and tried their best to dissuade the minorities from offering prayers at the site citing section 145 (dispute concerning land or water is likely to cause breach of peace) in force.
A resident of the area expressed surprise over police inaction during construction of the mosque. Although they did not prevent the construction, police had filed cases against Mayor Abdul Azeez, his brother Jaleel and corporator of the area Bobba Srinivasa Yadav two days ago. Interestingly, the present owner has secured a court order under Section 145 in May.
Heated arguments between police officials and Muslims went on for over two hours from 11 am. After Abdul Jaleel, younger brother of the mayor Abdul Azeez, parleyed with the police, the latter agreed to allow two people to perform namaz at the site. Jaleel said that they have been offering namaz for last two days and it should not be prevented under any circumstances.
This, however, failed to pacify the youth in the gathering and they raised slogans demanding to allow everyone. The agitation intensified with mayor Abdul Azeez reaching the spot and asking the police to allow everyone inside. He spoke to some higher officials of revenue for permission assuring to maintain peace. The situation got out of hand when the gathering of around 150 people forced their way into the disputed site, pushing police aside, even before the cops gave their nod. The police, however, did not retaliate. The minorities offered prayers at the newly built mosque and remained at the site suspecting that police will not allow them to return for next namaz.
They relented after RDO K. Nageswar Rao assured that they will allow them to perform Namaz at the site till the dispute is resolved. Nellore rural DSP, Dr K. Tirumaleswar Reddy, V town inspector Subba Rao and special branch DSP Jayaram Subba Reddy were present at the site. They said that they are contemplating on imposing Section 144 to prevent any untoward incidents.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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