Bandipora, Jan 18 (KNO): A dispute over part of a graveyard being converted into an Eidgah in Aloosa village of north Kashmir's Bandipora district led to a brawl, injuring at least five people, officials said here on Saturday.
Locals speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that a group had built a pulpit to convert part of the graveyard into an Eidgah. Another group opposed this move, which filed a complaint with the Tehsildar of Aloosa, opposing the change, they said.
After reviewing the complaint, the Tehsildar directed the opposing group to approach the police station and asked the police officer of Aloosa to investigate the matter.
The situation escalated on Friday night when the opposing group attempted to paint the pulpit. Upset by this, the defending group called the police for intervention.
When both parties arrived at the site, a fight broke out, with stones and sticks allegedly being used. In the incident and stated that five people were injured due to the graveyard dispute.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate, recognising the potential for a breach of peace, has attached the land and placed it under the custody of the Tehsildar Aloosa.
An order issued by the DM, prohibits any individual from entering, using, or possessing the disputed land until further notice, aiming to prevent further violence or unrest.
To ensure the strict implementation of this order, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bandipora has been directed to take all necessary measures to prevent any attempts to violate the terms.
Also, all parties involved in the dispute have been called to appear before the District Magistrate on January 20, 2025, for resolution.
The order will remain in effect until the dispute is resolved, and any violation will result in legal action under the relevant provisions of law—(KNO)