The banned Muslim extremist organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI), known for attempting to incite riots in the past over issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act and the Waqf Bill, is now seeking to inflame religious sentiments under the guise of Palestine solidarity. Political parties, including the CPM and Congress, are accused of supporting these efforts to gain electoral advantage. While mainstream Muslim organisations are also leading Palestine solidarity initiatives under names like the Muslim Coordination Committee and Mahalla Coordination Committee, PFI activists and SDPI members are reported to have taken operational control.
Reports indicate that slogans raised during such meetings and rallies are often anti-India and critical of the union government. Observers claim these organisations systematically divert programs ostensibly organised in the name of religion against the BJP and the union government. In Alappuzha district, events under this banner have consistently carried an anti-BJP and anti-Sangh Parivar narrative. Congress and CPM leaders adopt inflammatory tones in these programs to mobilize support.
In recent events, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal and CPM MLAs allegedly used public forums to attack the union government and the BJP, delivering speeches that inflamed Muslim religious sentiments. Demonstrations reportedly involved even small children. Earlier incidents in Alappuzha drew criticism after a child was used to shout slogans against Hindus and Christians. Observers argue that some organisations deliberately employ children and women to create heightened emotional impact, while mainstream organisations appear to tacitly support such practices.
In continuation of these actions, Palestinian flags have reportedly been hoisted across multiple PFI and SDPI strongholds, which is seen as provocative. Flags were displayed on buildings and roads near the PFI district office in Alappuzha town, which had previously been shut down by the NIA. Additional displays have been reported in southern areas of the district, including Adikattukulangara, Nooradu, Charummoodu, as well as Kakkazhat and Kuravanthode in Ambalapuzha. In some cases, flags were raised near religious sites, including a tree close to the Puthukulangara temple at Kakkazham and west of the Kuravanthode junction. Allegations suggest that anti-national activities are occurring in areas influenced by these extremist organisations. Meanwhile, PFI and SDPI leaders and activists are attempting to gain control over various Mahal Committees, resulting in clashes across several locations. Complaints have surfaced alleging that individuals opposing these moves face threats and physical confrontations, highlighting the growing tension and polarisation in the district.
Kerala government and CPI(M) back Palestine solidarity programs
The Kerala government has expressed full support for programs in solidarity with Palestine. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has personally led several such initiatives. He stated that Israel is denying the democratic rights of the Palestinian people, and Kerala stands firmly with their right to self-determination. The Chief Minister conveyed his solidarity in the presence of the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Chavez, who visited the Chief Minister’s office on September 29.
“Kerala has always stood with the Palestinian people. Israel, with the backing of imperialist powers, has been violating the democratic rights of Palestine and subverting all international norms. Kerala supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The international community must come together to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, and restore peace in West Asia,” the Chief Minister said. In addition, the CPI(M) has also gained attention for issuing radical statements and organizing programs related to Palestine solidarity.
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