Kattankudy: Special Judge's final decision

Bureau report - TamilNet - Sri Lanka

Saturday, December 16, 2006

The remains of M. S. Abdul Payilvan, a leader of the Sufi sect, which was buried amidst vehement protests by the orthodox Muslims of Kathankudyat Tharikathul Mufliheen Mosque burial grounds, was exhumed Friday around 5:30 p.m, in the presence of Batticaloa Senior Superintendent of Police Maxie Proctor on the orders of Special Judge Mohamed Isardeen from Colombo, Kathankudy sources said.

The burial triggered controversy and brought clashes between orthodox Muslims and members of the Sufi sect in Kathankudy for the past 9 days.

The Special Judge had come to Kathankudy to conduct inquiries related to the petition filed by Kathankudy Ullama Board in Batticaloa Magistrate Courts.

Judge Mohamed Isardeen, after holding inquiries Friday morning, ordered Payilvan's remains to be exhumed and interred in the common Muslim Burial grounds. The Judge also directed the Police to demolish the Tharikathul Muflieen building of the Sufi sect as it had been built without the necessary permission of Kathankudy Town Council.

Following the verdict of the judge, a discussion was held in Batticaloa Police Head Quarters on exhuming the remains of Payilvan and demolishing the Tharikathul Muflieen building.
After the discussion, at Kathankudy, Payilvan's followers and Sufi sect Ullamas who stood guarding the Sufi sect building assisted by the police, were led out of the site, escorted.

The building was then demolished by hundred volunteers and heavy machinery as thousands of people watched, accompanied by the loud chanting of 'Thakbir'.

Media persons were not allowed either to take photographs or to video film the demolishing of the building.

Kathankudy police said that the tension prevailing in Kathankudy for the past nine days was showing signs of easing down.