Flared tempers: DCO bans entry of cleric

Entry of Maulana Ghumman banned after he was accused of delivering provocative speeches against the Barelvi sect.

ABBOTABAD: The district administration banned the entry of Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Ghumman after he was accused of delivering provocative speeches against the Barelvi sect. Abbottabad District Coordination Officer (DCO) Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, through a notification, banned the entry of Ahle Sunnat wal Jammat’s leader within the territorial limits of Abbottabad for 60 days under section 144 of the PPC. Barelvi ulemas approached the DCO and lodged a complaint against Ghumman for delivering speeches aimed at hurting their religious beliefs. They said sectarian tensions may mount after his arrival, possibly flaring sentiments in the district. The district has historically been a peaceful one devoid of sectarian tensions or violence.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2012.