Sectarian motives suspected in Kattankudy arson

[TamilNet, Monday, 08 August 2005, 09:30 GMT]
A shop and the house of a Muslim businessman, Mr. Abdul Kaleem, located on Uoor Road in Kattankudy, were burnt down Sunday night in a suspected sectarian attack, Police said.



Mr. Kaleem estimated the damage at 4 million rupees.

Two months ago, Mr. Abdul Kaleem had distributed handbills stating that he was not a follower or supporter of the 'Payilvaan', a Muslim cleric who leads a sect with Sufi leanings.

However, another handbill issued by orthodox Muslims a few days ago, named Mr. Kaleem as a follower and supporter of 'Payilvaan' sect. Forty-one persons were enlisted in the handbill, residents said.

Signs of sectarian strife have surfaced again in Kattankudy, a densely populated Muslim town, 5 kilometres south of Batticaloa.