Shia, Sunnis clash over building Bismillah Khans tomb

The idea of creating a memorial at the grave of Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan has led to clashes between the two Muslim sects-Shias and Sunnis-in Varanasi.

Varanasi (UP), Aug 21 : The idea of creating a memorial at the grave of Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan has led to clashes between the two Muslim sects-Shia's and Sunnis-in Varanasi.

One the occasion of maestro's first death anniversary Sunnis objected to the construction of the tomb at the grave of the legendary artist stating that the land belonged to the Waqf and so a 'private memorial' could not be constructed here.

"They are demanding that the grave should be shifted to some other place, if relatives of Ustad want to build a tomb there. This shows their mentality. May be we could have forgiven them if they remained silent," said Haider Ali, a neighbour of Bismillah Khan.

However the confrontation has pointed to the Shia-Sunni conflict since Bismillah, was a Shia Muslim.

"The people who are against this are those people who have nothing to do with Ustad Bismillah Khan and this land, but they are those who are in a habit of bringing people into disrepute," said Nawaz Hussain, a fan of Khan.

Sensing trouble, the State government has deployed security forces at the site.

ANI