Kozhikode: In a bizarre demand that goes against the interest of the nation, Samastha Kerala Jam-Iyyathul Ulema, the principal Sunni body in Kerala, has said that India should apologise to the world for the remarks made by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
As per the statement released by Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal, the president of the Sunni Muslim outfit, ‘the derogatory remark made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma against the Prophet was highly reprehensible and unfortunate.’ He also demanded that the country should apologise to the world!
Samastha also said that Nupur Sharma’s statement should be seen as a continuation of the central government’s statements and actions. It also urged the government to take strong legal action against the culprits and ensure their punishment.
Jifri Muthukkoya and Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama recently hit the headlines after a senior ‘Samastha’ leader, MT Abdulla Musaliyar, berated the organisers of a students’ felicitation ceremony for inviting a girl student on stage to receive an award.
In the video, the senior leader was seen asking the organisers whether they didn’t know the ‘Samastha’ rules and angrily shouting at them for calling her on the stage. Later, Jifri Muthukkoya came to support the misogynist leader with justifications, saying that women generally feel shy when they happen to be in the middle of a group of men. “Musaliyar only raised objection to the girl coming on to the stage because she might feel shy. Wouldn’t she be nervous to see scholars like us on stage? We believe that generally, all women are shy. For the same reason, ustad conveyed his objection to the responsible person,” Jiffri had said.
The Kerala Sunni body’s bizarre demand comes close on the heels of India’s rejection of the recent statement by the General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
There were widespread calls on social media for a boycott of Indian goods in the Gulf countries, especially in Qatar and Kuwait, in the wake of the propaganda about Nupur Sharma’s remarks about the life of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Islamic countries like Qatar and Kuwait, along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), tried to use it as a weapon against India and demanded an apology from the country.
“The Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies,” read the MEA release.
“It is regrettable that OIC Secretariat has yet again chosen to make motivated, misleading and mischievous comments. This only exposes its divisive agenda being pursued at the behest of vested interests,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
