Muslim youth terrorise Kattankudy

Tension prevailed in Kattankudy town yesterday (3) even after the curfew was lifted in the morning. On Monday, during curfew hours 36 houses were attacked and six set ablaze.A group of Muslim youth, in the town known as Wahadis, ordered other Muslims not to perform certain Islamic rituals that had been practised for hundreds of years. However, when this request was turned down the Wahadis, backed by an armed group, went against those Muslims who refused to do away with the usual rituals and attacked their homes.A majority of Muslims in Kattankudy are said to be against Wahadism but are frightened because the Wahadis are back by an armed group that openly operates in the town. The armed group is said to be led by an ex-policeman. Residents lament that the local Police are not taking proper action to apprehend the armed groupThe curfew was due to be enforced again from last evening and Police and Army were posted at strategic locations in the town to prevent further clashes.