NP - Barailvis V. Deobandis

[David Morris]

http://frontierpost.com.pk/main.asp?id=4&date1=11/9/2001

Updated on 11/9/2001 12:17:20 PM

F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: To undercut the fiercely puritanical and martially inclined 
Deobandi school of thought, the authorities in Pakistan have decided to 
patronise the mild and pacific Brailvi camp, The Frontier Post has learnt.

Barailvis and Deobandis are two branches of the mainstream Sunni Islam.

The government has decided to pamper Brailvi scholars and leaders, 
well-placed sources said.

An official said the decision came at the last meeting of the 
inter-provincial coordination committee on law and order last Wednesday.

The process of pampering Brailvi sect leaders would also include 
accommodating some of the leading lights of the sect at different tiers of 
the government.

The sources said some of the influential members of the sect were expected 
to be accommodated at the levels of federal, provincial and district levels 
of government.

Brailvi sect is considered a non-violent and more spiritual sect of Islam.

This sect does not preach violence.

Majority of Pakistanis are Brailvi by sect.

However Deobandis who are staunch supporters of Jihad as the only means to 
establish supremacy of Islam have been a very vocal religious group.

During the Afghan war this group was pampered by the government and that led 
to their increased influence.



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