MAPUSA
The adjourned annual general body meeting (AGM) of the Jama Masjid, the oldest mosque, at Angod in Mapusa was finally held on Sunday morning under heavy police security cover.
The AGM was adjourned last month on the direction of the district authorities after differences erupted between two groups within the minority community.
The President of the Jama Masjid managing committee, Feroz Katavlia conducted the AGM even as the other group led by Feroz Khan protested outside the meeting hall.
“We were not allowed to take part in the AGM in spite of being members. The deputy collector who had called us for a meeting after the adjournment of the first AGM had not granted permission to hold the meeting,” Khan said.
“The AGM has been held with political blessings. The local MLA is supporting the managing committee and the presence of such a large police force explains the motive,” he alleged further.
According to the President of the Jama Masjid managing committee, Feroz Katavlia, the AGM has been organised as per the constitution of the organisation.
He said the members who were questioning the legality of the meeting were expelled and due notices were sent to them.
However, Khan disputed the claim that no such notices were received by him and majority of the members.
He said there are cases pending before the district and High Court against the illegalities of the present managing committee.
“We will challenge this AGM too in the courts,” he said.
