Deobandi, Barelvi followers clash in UP

A clash broke out between the followers of Barelvi and Deobandi sects of Sunni Muslims in Kemri town here over the timing of a religious event, police said today.

A religious leader of the Deobandi sect, who delivers sermons on Sundays, organised a discourse on Tuesday this time that lasted till 11 at night. This infuriated the Barelvis, who protested the event, police officials said.

It later turned into a violent clash and the two groups' members attacked each other with lathis, pelted stones and vandalized vehicles, Superintendent of Police Sadhna Goswami said.

Police brought the situation under control and made them reach an agreement, she said.