By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: The Moglakhar mosque in Nawada town on Tuesday first came under attack by miscreants who were part of Ram Navami procession and then in an apparent bid to control the subsequent communal violence the police sprayed bullets on the mosque between Maghrib and Isha prayer time.
According to locals and eyewitnesses, the processionists began shouting anti-Muslim provocative slogans when they were passing by the Badi Masjid Moglakhar near railway crossing in Nawada town. This resulted in a pitch battle between the two communities and soon stones from the procession began raining on the mosque and neighboring houses and shops.
An eyewitness told TCN on phone that a police team was accompanying with the procession but they did not stop the miscreants when they began shouting provocative slogans. But when the stone pelting started from both sides of the communities, the police took side of the processionists and started firing. According to media reports, police fired 500 rounds of bullets. But it seems the mosque bore the brunt. The photos of the mosque show clear marks of bullets and stones. Four-five people are said to have been wounded during the violence.
The clear marks of bullets on the mosque prompted local police and civil administration on Wednesday to reach the mosque committee for immediate plaster and white-wash on the mosque in a clear bid to remove the evidence. However, the locals protested against the move and the administration had to retreat.
In last one month this was the fourth attack on mosques in Nawada district. Since Holi last month, mosque in three villages – Bhatta, Jasat and Datraul – have been attacked by miscreants.
Wednesday was peaceful but very shops were opened and vehicular traffic was also thin. The local administration has imposed section 144 to check on gathering of people.