Secretary General of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Helmy Faishal Zaini strongly condemned the acts of violence against KH Emon Umar Basri (Mama Santiong), the leader of Al-Hidayah Islamic boarding school (pesantren) Tenjolaya, Bandung, West Java on Saturday (27/1).
"All acts of violence have never been justified by any religion and belief," the secretary-general said in a press release received by NU Online here recently (28/1).
"This is the phenomenon of contemporary Ibn Muljam," the secretary general continued.
As reported West Java and Bandung Metro Police have arrested a suspected assailant in the case of attack to Kiai Umar Basyri (60). Based on an preliminary examination by mental health specialist, the suspect suffered a mental disorder.
"The suspect A (50) is arrested at Mushala Al Mufathalah, Cicalengka, about two kilometres away from Al Hidayah Cicalengka mosque," said West Java Police chief, Agung Budi Maryoto on Sunday night.
Agung said after being arrested, the suspect admitted that he has beaten someone at mosque. Based on his hand condition and also the result of doctor's visum, there were bruises and irregularr wounds on the suspect's wrist.
A number of students who also joined fajr pray that day also gave informations related to the suspect. They saw the suspect at the mosque. The suspect came after congregational prayers ended. Previously, the suspected assailant was said to had congregational prayers prior to the attack.
The suspected assailant still wore the same blue shirt when arrested.
The investigator has pre-reconstructed the incident. However, when the suspect was questioned further, he often answered with random words and inconsequential.
"We then summons psychiatrist to examine the suspect and the doctor said he has mental disorder," Agung added.
The examination result will become a reference for further investigation. Police asserted the suspect is not related to certain groups, as suspected before.
The attack happened at Al Hidayah Islamic boarding school mosque in Cicalengka, Bandung, West Java at around 05:35 am on last January 27. The attacker came to at the mosque while other congregation have left after praying. As he always did, Kiai Umar sat at the imam corner and continued to dhikr with the lights off.
The assailant then approached to Kiai Umar, kicked a wooden box and hit the victim brutally. Kiai Umar severely wounded and was rushed to AMC Cileunyi hospital, Bandung. (Masdar)