“Kalain Mosque Turns Battleground Over Imam Selection: Many including Women Injured”

Several people, including women, were injured after two groups allegedly clashed over the selection of an Imam at the Bhuiabari Tarapur Boro Masjid in Kalain, Cachar district. The clash reportedly involved brick and stone throwing, while allegations of assault with lathis and vandalism inside the mosque have also emerged.

According to local sources, a disagreement had been continuing between two groups for the past few days over the selection of the mosque’s Imam. The situation reportedly escalated on Friday (August 28) before the Jummah prayers when one group brought an Imam to the mosque. The other group objected to the decision, leading to a heated argument.

The verbal dispute soon turned into a physical clash. Both sides have reportedly accused each other of violence, while allegations have emerged that bricks and stones were thrown during the confrontation. Women were also caught up in the clash, with several of them sustaining injuries.

Speaking from a hospital bed, one injured man alleged that a group of around 50 to 60 people had arrived with prior preparation and began throwing bricks inside the mosque after refusing to engage in dialogue.

“They threw bricks and injured us. Before coming to the mosque, they had planned to come in a group of around 50 to 60 people. They refused to have a dialogue and started throwing bricks inside the mosque. Many people were hit,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the group had come prepared and had allegedly kept lathis behind the mosque before the confrontation. Another injured woman said that several women were hurt after being hit by bricks and stones during the clash.

Allegations have also been raised that people carrying lathis and other weapons were involved in the confrontation and that vandalism took place inside the mosque.

As news of the clash spread, hundreds of people reportedly gathered around the mosque premises, creating a tense situation in the area. Local prominent persons later intervened, following which the situation was brought under control.

Those injured in the clash were rushed to Kalain Hospital for treatment. Police from Kalain Police Station also reached the hospital after receiving information about the incident.

Tension continues in the area following the violence. Police have begun an investigation into the incident and the allegations made by both sides.