Mangaluru (TOI): A group of Muslims locked the doors of famous Ullal Dargah when a section of the community arrived to offer Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers on Monday.
The Dakshina Kannada district khazi Thwaka Ahmed Musliyar and Udupi khazi Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal had declared end of Ramzan and announced that Sunday would be the first day of Shawwal in the region. However Ullal khazi Fazal Koyamma Thangal Koorath refused to announce the beginning of Shawwal and had urged his followers to fast on Sunday and celebrate Eid on Monday.
Accordingly, a group of devotees, as per the directions of Ullal khazi, reached the dargah, but they found the doors locked. The group then unlocked the doors and assaulted two persons in the dargah premises, leading to a tense situation in the religious place. However, timely intervention of city police officials brought the situation under control.
Mahammed Rizwan, 25, a resident of Masthikatte and Mohammed, 29, member of the dargah committee and resident of Alekala sustained injuries in the incident.
Many Jamaats in Ullal had celebrated Eid on Sunday as per directions of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi khazis. Meanwhile, the community members belong to other Jamaats celebrated Eid on Monday as per Ullal khazi's direction. Difference of opinion with regard to finalization of Eid-Ul-Fitr on part of khazis led to confusion and also culminated in a clash.
Sensing the situation, police ensured that devotees wanting to offer namaz at the dargah, went ahead and did so. DCP (crime and traffic) Hanumantharaya said that situation in Ullal is peaceful and no untoward incidents have been reported thereafter. "Ullal police team prevented a clash through timely efforts. Devotees were allowed to offer prayers too," he added.
