Bereaved Imam saves Indian state from communal riots

When Imam Imdadul Rashidi’s younger son was bludgeoned to death on Tuesday in Asansol in West Bengal, there were apprehensions that the event could trigger large-scale Hindu-Muslim clashes. News of Rashidi’s 16-year-old son Sibtullah Rashidi killed by a communal mob had spread across the town. Thousands joined his funeral prayers, ready to take revenge. The Imam made a call for peace and requested the people to eschew violence. “My son is gone ... But if you love me, then keep calm. Don't cause trouble for anyone," Rashidi, the Imam of the town's mosque told the funeral congregation for his son on Thursday, reports NDTV. He also threatened to leave the town if anyone retaliated against his son’s death. Sibtullah was found dead on Wednesday night, a day after his brother reported to police that his sibling was dragged away by a mob before he was beaten to death. The appeal for peace from Rashidi, the town's Imam for 30 years, calmed the tension that has been broiling in the city. “… Please ensure that no one else’s child is killed, that there is peace and amity,” he told The Citizen. The trouble started on Sunday with rival processions by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress marking the birth of the Hindu god Rama. Violence broke out and by Monday, it turned into clashes between Hindus and Muslims. Four people, including Rashidi’s son, have been killed. A ban on gathering has been placed in the town. Internet services would remain suspended until April 4. Asansol witnessed its last communal violence in 1991-92. The Imam said he felt he had to stop the violence. He said it was his “duty to ensure no other child died, no house was torched, no family bereaved.” Local Asansol Councillor Nasim Ansari said that after the Imam had spoken, anger in the people’s hearts was replaced by deep sorrow. Ansari told The Citizen that the administration was worried about how Muslims would react to the death of young Rashid as a widespread communal violence would be hard to control. He said things could have turned worse across India if it were not for the Imam. “We have been able to go back to restoring peace, returning cattle, and speaking to both communities.”