Reports indicate that the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, held a Mayyath Niskkaram (funeral prayer) for Yahya Sinvar, the Hamas terrorist leader recently killed by Israeli forces. The ritual was led by Samad Kunnakkav, Assistant Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala.
Kochi has a controversial history of conducting similar rituals, including one for Ajmal Ameer Kasab, the terrorist involved in the November 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks, who was executed on November 21, 2012. The Mayyath Niskkaram for Kasab took place in Kaloor, Kochi, and was marked by a Kuththuba speech. There were also reports of a funeral prayer for Afsal Guru, a convict in the Parliament attack, when he was hanged in February 2013.
The SIO’s Facebook page for Ernakulam shared details and images of the Mayyath Niskkaram, depicting Yahya Sinvar as a “valiant warrior.” Participation in the ritual included youths and students from the organisation.
The Facebook post regarding the Mayyath Niskkaram for Yahya Sinvar has sparked a flurry of comments, with many users expressing concern that Kerala is becoming a hub for terrorism. Sinvar, the deceased Hamas leader, had previously stated that Bharat would also come under Hamas rule, prompting some individuals in Bharat to express grief over his death. This sentiment underscores the perceived animosity some hold towards Bharat.
Yahya Sinvar was killed last week in Gaza, with Israel releasing images of his lifeless body. One notable picture shows him attempting to throw a stick at a drone. Post-mortem reports confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The exact location of the Students Islamic Organisation’s (SIO) Mayyath Niskkaram remains unclear. However, the SIO poster indicates that a Shahadath March and condolence prayer were organized at Heera Complex in Aluva, near Kochi. A senior officer from the Kerala Police’s Special Branch stated that he was not informed about such an event. Recently, a march was held in Kochi to protest the killing of Yahya Sinvar, and investigations are underway regarding this demonstration. Authorities have reportedly identified several individuals from photos taken during the protest.
There is growing concern that Kerala has become a haven for Islamic terrorists, largely attributed to the prevalent vote bank politics in the state. Both the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) appear to be engaged in unhealthy competition to appease extremists and terrorists, placing nationalist issues at the bottom of their priorities. A review of past actions reveals a concerning camaraderie between the two fronts, including several unanimous resolutions passed by the state assembly.
For instance, on March 16, 2006, the Kerala Assembly passed a unanimous resolution calling for the release of Abdul Nasar Madani, who was jailed in connection with the brutal 1998 Coimbatore bomb blasts. Additionally, the assembly unanimously opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in December 2019 and the Farm Laws in December 2020. Both fronts have also demonstrated approaches towards the Popular Front of India (PFI) that contradict nationalistic sentiments.
The fervour displayed by the LDF and UDF in opposing all nationalistic causes raises questions among right-thinking Keralites, who are now eager to see whether the government will take action against the anti-national Mayyath Niskkaram held in honour of the notorious Hamas leader.
