Tag : IUML

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday rallied behind Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state President Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal whose recent statement that there is no need to protest against the Ram temple constructed at Ayodhya drew criticism from various quarters. In a statement made during an event on January 24 at Manjeri in Malappuram District, Thangal had said that both the new temple and the proposed mosque would "strengthen secularism" in the country. IUML is a major ally of the Opposition Congress-led UDF in Kerala and an influential political party among the Muslim community. Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan and senior IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty today reiterated that Thangal had made a balanced statement against those who were trying to exploit communal sentiments and spread a hate campaign. Talking to the media along the sidelines of the Budget session at the State Assembly, Satheesan said he appreciates Thangal's statement. Stating that Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal was carrying on the legacy of Panakkad Sayyid Muhammedali Shihab Thangal, he recalled, "When the Babri Masjid was demolished, across the nation there were communal riots, but in Kerala we prevented it only because of the stand taken by Muhammedali Shihab Thangal. Now, Sadiq Ali Thangal has made a balanced statement." The senior Congress leader said Thangal's words were meant to prevent a "split among the people", and thwart attempts at a hate campaign aimed at making people fight each other. "We need the (people) of various religions in the State to peacefully coexist. So I appreciate Thangal's statement," Satheesan said. Kunhalikutty also stressed on the need for communal harmo ...