Bihar: 4 Muslims killed over land dispute in Purnia

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: In a horrible incident at least four Muslims have been killed and 8 persons have been critically injured in Barnia Ghat village under the Parora Panchayet in K. Nager block of Purnia district yesterday. The killed persons have been identified as Mohmmad Salam, Mohammd Noor, Mohammad Nazir and Abdul Ghaffar.

The incident was result of a dispute over a plot of land measuring 4.17 acres between local Muslims and Adivasi tribals.

Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Muzufferuzaman, general secretary of Bihar JD(U) youth unit, said that almost 70 Adivasi tribals carrying traditional weapons including bows and arrows, spears and axes came and attacked the landowners who were busy in work at the land.

Mr. Muzufferuzaman who is from Purnia and visited the victims’ village soon after news came out about the incident told TCN, “Slain people bought land few years ago from a Hindu of nearby village but Adivasi people claimed to be owners of the land. On Thursday when owners of the land went to the land they did not expected any attack. Therefore, they went empty handed.”

“The dead bodies of Mohmmad Salam, Mohammd Noor, Mohammad Nazir and Abdul Ghaffar have been received. Of 8 injured two are in critical condition” he told TCN.

Mr. Muzufferuzaman also sees it as political game, “I am unable to understand that in a Muslim dominated area how Adivasi people can attack Muslims. It is impossible without backing of some politicians,” he said.

The attackers also set two tractors of the landowners on fire. Two persons were missing after the incident about whom it was said that they were also killed and thrown into nearby Kosi River. But late night police informed that they have returned home.

Muslims of the area demanded the State Government to give10 lacs to the family members of each victim as compensation and also job to one person from each family.

Notably, Muslims are in majority in the area while there is only a village belongs to Adivasi.

D.I.G Mr. Sunil Kumar Jha, D.M Mr. Sighersi and S.P Mr. Nayyer Hasnain are camping with a team of police in the village and situation is under control. According to police superintend Mr. Nayyer Hasnain a case has been filed against one dozen identified people. Of them 9 person have been arrested so far and the search operation is going on.