Kozhikode: SDPI avatars a headache for IUML

Kozhikode: After several campaigns and introducing screening procedures to keep the extremist elements off, the IUML now laments that the party was facing a severe threat from organisations like SDPI who openly pose as IUML men and provoke common enemies.

On Tuesday, it came to light in a protest march held in Nadapuram, where alleged SDPI men posed as IUML workers, raised provocative slogans against the delay in arresting the culprits in Aslam's murder.

IUML Nadapuram secretary Punnakkal Ahammed says the hate campaigns are worse online and during local body elections, leaflets were distributed with his photograph.

“Several screenings had been made earlier to prevent the extremist elements entering the IUML and at many times we failed, and that does not mean that we are letting them continue their work inside our party. The latest incident on Tuesday was a proof for their infiltration as some of them raised provocative slogans other than the ones prepared by our workers,” said Mr Ahammed.

Clashes had erupted in Nadapuram town after participants of the rally raised a different set of slogans and the ones raised provocative slogans were forced to leave. The local IUML leaders say that things were worse on social media like WhatsApp and Facebook, where hate campaigns were made, putting the Muslim community as a whole in a bad light.

“Many a time we complained to the police that even leaflets are being circulated with the photographs of the IUML leaders, but no action was taken. With the infiltration, they are creating communal divide and disturbance in the society,” said Mr Ahammad.

However, Vadakara Rural SP N. Vijayakumar said that it was the responsibility of the parties that organise programmes to control the crowd. He added that the leaders should be held responsible for the attacks and damages during the protests.