MANSEHRA: Tensions between two religious groups over the demolition of a prayer area at the abandoned Sheikhabad Afghan refugee camp here eased on Friday following the intervention of the deputy commissioner.
‘We have demolished such prayer spaces, along with the mud houses built at the refugee camps after their occupants moved to their native country, but this particular structure became a bone of contention between the two religious groups, which has finally been settled,’ deputy commissioner Khalid Iqbal Khattak told reporters.
The demolition of the prayer space at the abandoned refugee camp had heightened tensions between the groups, as one wanted it to be razed while the other opposed such action.
‘I involved members of the District Peace Committee, led by Maulana Saifur Rehman, who approached both groups of clerics and convinced them to settle this issue amicably and ultimately, it was decided that the disputed prayer space would be demolished for peace and tranquillity,’ Mr Khattak said.
He said both groups had also met him separately and expressed their willingness to accept the demolition of the disputed structure, as the district administration had demolished similar structures at other abandoned camps in the district.
Meanwhile, Maulana Waqarul Haq Usman, along with other clerics, addressed a press conference and said the issue of demolition of the disputed structure had been settled amicably through a jirga attended by clerics from both sides.
He said the jirga members also called on the DC and apprised him of the ulema’s decision to demolish the structure. Correspondent