A long-simmering sectarian dispute in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha district erupted into open violence this week, leaving six people seriously injured and prompting a significant police response. The incident, rooted in a disagreement over religious practices between Deobandi and Barelvi groups, has shattered a 15-year-old peace agreement in Telipura Mafi village.
Roots of the Conflict: A Broken 15-Year Pact
The focal point of the tension is the village's sole mosque, which is used for prayers by members of both Islamic sects. According to local authorities, the trouble began on Tuesday morning following the Fajr (morning) prayers. The trigger was the recitation of specific salutations (salawat), a common practice in mosques associated with the Barelvi tradition but one that is typically not observed by those following the Deobandi interpretation.
This particular practice had been a point of contention in the past. To maintain communal harmony, a mutual agreement was reached fifteen years ago to discontinue it within the shared mosque. The recent attempt by members of the Barelvi faction to reintroduce the practice violated this longstanding accord, setting the stage for confrontation.
From Objection to Violence: Sticks, Stones, and Firearms
The situation escalated rapidly when Zubair Ahmed, a member of the Deobandi community, objected to the recitation. His objection sparked immediate tensions, which quickly spiraled into a full-blown violent clash. As per the police report, Zubair Ahmed and members of his family were allegedly attacked by the opposing group with a range of weapons.
The assailants used sticks, sharp-edged weapons, and even firearms, according to the First Information Report (FIR). This initial assault triggered retaliatory stone-pelting and physical fights between the two groups. In the ensuing melee, six individuals from Zubair Ahmed's side sustained serious injuries.
Police Action and Aftermath
Police forces reached the village promptly and managed to bring the volatile situation under control. However, the accused individuals had fled the scene by the time authorities arrived. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a formal case against ten named villagers.
The accused include four brothers – Mohammad Imran, Sikandar, Altaf, and Iliyas – along with Sajid, Shahid, Firoz, Aznabi, Noor, and Mohammad Allauddin. They have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- BNS 191(2) for rioting
- BNS 191(3) for rioting armed with deadly weapons
- BNS 190 for unlawful assembly
- BNS 115(2) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt
- BNS 351(2) for criminal intimidation
Speaking on the ongoing efforts, Circle Officer Avadhram Bhadauria stated that police personnel have been deployed in the village to prevent any further escalation. "Raids are underway to arrest the accused," he confirmed, underscoring the seriousness with which the administration is treating the incident. The area remains under close watch as authorities work to restore order and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
