Muslim body opposes Muslim League move to hold protests inside mosques

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Faced with strong opposition from religious leaders within the community, the Muslim League on Thursday backed off from its earlier move to hold protest against government's decision to route Waqf appointments through Public Service Commission.

The  Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama,a  principal body of Sunni Muslims in state, came out strongly against the League plan to organise protests in mosques. The state chief of Samstha Sayed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said protests in Mosque will amount to misuse of religious places hence should be avoided. 

He said his organisation was also against the government move. But chief minister Mr  Pinarayi Vijayan has agreed to discuss the matter hence the proposed  protest is unwarranted. 

Earlier, Muslim League core committee had decided to sensitise the Muslim community about the alleged anti Muslim policies of the government in mosques during Friday prayers. The committee had also decided to hold mass rallies across the 1000 odd panchayats in protest against the government decision.

Thangal said the controversial decision was violative of the Waqf Act of the Central Government. "Waqf board has the sole authority to make appointments. We respect the sentiments expressed by Samastha leaders. Will not organise protests inside the Mosques but hold campaigns outside," he said.

The CPM came down heavily on the Muslim League decision to hold protests in mosques. The party said a section of league leadership was playing with fire. "How will you oppose the Sangh Parivar outfits if they misuse temples for such purposes, " asked CPM.

The CPM said that the government had already assure that it would address the concerns expressed by the community.

Minority affairs minister Mr Abdul Rahman said the government was keen to  hand over the appointments to the PSC. However, the final decision will be taken after taking all sections into confidence.