The Army and police Special Task Force had to be called in to control a tense situation at the Bhadrakali Amman Kovil premises in Senakudiirippu in Kalmunai on Wednesday as more than 1,000 persons from two villages began attacking each other following a dispute over which village should take the leadership in organising the annual festival of the Kovil. Nine people including a woman were injured in the clashes and admitted to Kalmunai Hospital. Police say that there were also a large number with minor injuries.
The annual Kovil festival which began on the September 26 will end on October 5. Police said that every year this festival is organized by the administrative staff of the temple who are residents of Nappatimuna area. However the people of Senakudiirippu have been continuously quarrelling with the temple administration for not giving them the leadership of the annual religious festival. Because of this, before giving permission to hold this year’s festival, the police reported the matter to Court. The Kalmunai Courts had given an order on September 22 that both parties should conduct the festival in this temple peacefully. Both parties had agreed to it and accordingly the police had also deployed security to allow the annual festival to be held. However a dispute had arisen between the two groups on Wednesday which led to the clashes.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
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