Moodbidri: Muslim groups clash over banner dispute at Handelu

Mangalore Today News Network

Moodbidri, Jan 25, 2014:  Two Muslim groups resorted to a clash at the Jumma Masjid at Handelu near here on January 24, Friday over the issue of tearing off a banner.

 

If  Sameer Handelu had put up a banner in front of the masjid extending greetings to a SKSSF Committee programme in the area, it  did not please members of some other Muslim organisation who reportedly tore off the banner. It is learnt a few members of Muslim Welfare Association who arrived at the place  took the other group to task resulting in a fracas.

As tension prevailed, the Moodbidri police rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd.

The local police have said  that the issue has been settled through talks and no complaint has been lodged.

 What has been gathered is that Saleem Handelu who had put up the banner hails from Angaragundi near Baikampady in Mangalore and was residing in Handelu since the past four years and was also running an organisation named Muslim Welfare Association. However, some other Muslim organisations in the area were not happy with Saleem’s organisation and even alleged that Saleem used to raise funds for his organisation and then utilise it for his own gains.

The masjid had two other organisations which have been opposing Saleem’s organisation and term it as unauthorised. It was this impasse that eventually led to the tearing off of the banner.