S.I.O organizes 56 Teens’ Meet held in 44 regions
Joys that rained in blazing summer(15.5.2009)
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Kozhikkod They came like cool drops of water on the parched ground in blazing summer and washed away the lethargy of vacation only to replace it with the flames of ideals. They relaxed with, joy, their little games and serious thoughts for a little while under the shade of S.I.O. It was a get-together to ponder overand understand as far as possible such perennial concepts like God and the Universe so as to be armed to question the injustice in the world. They proved that it was the insight and convictions of the ‘cheeky brats’ that could be the strength for a society rooted in genuine ideals. This little assembly of students drawn from all over from Kerala gave the message, loud and clear, that they are not yet old and grizzled in terms of capacity for dreams and have still their eyes open and ears perked up to see through the facades of the world around them. They were trying to recapture the good old days of vacation when vacation meant not just vain games but included some meaningful studies and preparations for the battlefield of ideas. Thousands of students participated in 56 Teens’ Meet held in 44 regions.
S.I.O organizes Teens’ Meets are get-togethers held by S I.O every year for the students just out of S.S.L.C. These Meets are characterized by meticulous planning and the variety of programmes that only SIO can lay claim to. SIO allots a vast amount of its time for High School students. Its policy and programmes include a wide variety of activities aimed at High School students alone. SIO has tried to comfort them during the uneasy period of adolescence and hold them close to chest. SIO has also understood the inner strength of students who shout when reprehensible silence has gripped the whole world. A major chunk of S I O’s activities have been allocated for High School students. The simple question of curiosity that a students puts to the teacher, namely ‘Sir, why is it so?’ has the potential to break the back of not only the arrogance of the grown-ups but all undesirable tendencies in society and to spit at the all-pervasive injustice in the world. Every region that organized the Meets prepared the agenda in such a way that they could provide the participants with guidelines as to how to use the warmth and enthusiasm of the young minds for the benefit of society and creatively channelise their indomitable spirit and irresistible curiosity. Each Unit organized the Meets under such beautiful names like Awakening, Companion, Summer and Provisions
The Meets were held at Attingal, Tiruvananthapuram, Nedumangad, in Tiruvananthapura district, at Kollam and Anchal, in Kolla district, at Harippad, Alappuzha and Cherthala, in Alappuzha district, at Chenganasseri, kanchirappalli, and Irattupettain Kottayam district, at Todupuzha in Idukki district and at Aluva, Paravur Cochin and Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district,at Nattika, Talikkulam, Kodungallur, chavakkad, Trissur Mala and Pattepadam in Trissur district, at mannarkad, Pattambi, Alattur, Palakkad and Ottapalam in Palakkad district, at Purattur, Parappanangadi, Vadakkkangara, Ponnani, Tirur, Santivayal, Mampad, Kondotty,tivvur, Krinkalllatani, Padapparamb, Karippur, Kottaakkal, Payyanad and Santapura in Malappuram district, at Chennnamangallur, Omasseri, Chelannur, Kizhakkkuuri, Uteri, Paingottay and Todattankandi in Kozhikkod district, at Lekkidi in Wayanad district, at Pazhayangadi, talasseri, and Kannur district, at Trikkaripur, Kasargod, and at Manjeswaram in Kasargod district. The Meets were attended, among others, by celebrated cultural leaders, prominent leaders of the Organization and leading educationists.
Jayachandran, P.K Parakkadav, Iyyacheri Kunchi Krishnan, T.Prakash Varyer, Punoor Karunakaran, Hameedali Vazhakkad, Jamate- isalami Asst. Amir Sheikh Muhammed Karakkunnu, Yusuf Umari, Member of State Shura, Dr Koottil Muhammed Ali, the Members of Solidarity State Committee, T Muhammed Velam, M Sajid, Y Irshad, P M Swalih, the State President, SIO, S Irshad, General Secretry, SIO, the Secretaries, SIO, Shihab Pookottur, Muhammed Aslam, P K Swadiq, P shakir, C P Habbeburahman and Saleem Pooppalam, the members of SIO State Committee, K Sadiq, K Najatullah, Limseer Ali, A C Muneesh, Abdul kader, U Shyju, P B M Farmees, A T Sharafudeen, and K S Nisar took part in various Teens’ Meets that were held from April 7 to 25.
Justitia Paves Way for
Reforming Personal Law (14.4.2009)
The Discussion organized by Justitia in Kozhikode, with a view to modifying the existing Personal Law in accordance with the Islamic Shari’ah, was remarkable for the participation of community leaders, scholars, and relevant papers presented on the occasion. The discussion was held against the background of the observation made by the court in connection with Saidali v/s Saleena case that Muslim scholars and others concerned must do everything in their power to control polygamy and wipe the tears of Muslim women. Also in the background was the demand that the errors that have crept into laws concerned with Muslims must be rectified, raised in the draft laws submitted by Legal Reform Commission headed by Justice V.R Krishna Aiyyer.
Since the programme was planned, Justitia received unprecedented response from the different corners of the community. The office-bearers of the justitia contacted most of the community leaders directly. Some went so far as to say, “Such a function will be the first of its kind in the history of India.”
Sharia’h Application Act has been in force in India since 1937. Nonetheless, the fact remains that neither its inadequacies nor its flipside has been discussed, nor has the community leadership bothered to consider them. Then there arose a view that different rulings issued by the court from time to time only helped to denigrate Islam and Muslims and the situation prevailed because the Islamic Shari’ah was not implemented in India in its true sense. The Committee, thereforre, decided to hold three separate sittings on Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance in Islam. The first sitting was thus set in motion.
The former Judge in Kerala High Court and the current Chairman of State Debt Relief Commission Justice K Abdul Gafoor inaugurated the Discussion. He said that it was high time the Muhammedan law was reformed through compromise and consensus. The community was led by emotional impulses alone, which is what happened in the Shabanu Case and the Babri Masjid issue. There must be written laws that are in synch with the Islamic Shari’ah, regarding marriage, divorce and inheritance, he added.
“Laws are meant for humans. They are aimed at solving problems and disputes. New solutions must be chalked out through consensus to tackle new situations. We can’t afford to have an immoral society. And laws are made not to be broken but to be kept. There is no gainsaying the fact that laws are broken, though, in the case of divorce as well. A solution must be arrived through discussion and deliberations,” he reminded. “Some of the laws in India have turned problematic. No father usually enquires his daughter how much mahr(dower) she would like. Neither is it fair if women demand exorbitant mahr. Quran considered Mahr as women’s wealth but society does not consider it so. Things have taken such a bad turn that men require no grounds for divorce. The community should have viable machinery that can iron out the differences between the couple and come to compromise before the extreme step is resorted to. Justice Gafur maintained that the most civilized law of marriage is that of Islam and is the fittest to be included in the Uniform Civil Code.
“The main grounds for the contemporary criticism against Islam must be unfounded customs and conventions that have crept into Muslim society. All problems can’t be resolved through laws alone. Laws are nevertheless essential”, held O. Abdurahman , the Editor , The Madhyamam daily. The Mahal authorities concerned must find out at the time of marriage itself if or not the prospective groom is already married. The Quran and the Sunnah must be given due weight. Sometimes it so happens that if a one mahal authority refuses to solemnize the marriage of such woman-hunting grooms, some other Imam would be willing to do the job. He also reminded that the scholars are yet to say what should be done in case one of the couple converted to a different religion, he reminded. Then the State Treasurer, Justitia, Adv. O Haris presented a paper on ‘Muslim Marriage in Indian Law’.
He held that the most significant law passed in India, making the Shari’h applicable to Muslims was the Shariah Act, which came into effect on Oct. 7, 1937. A brief law with 6 provisions. While maintaining all Islamic laws applicable to all sects of the community, the Act sought to derecognize all unislamic practices. The second provision in the Act is the most significant and it runs, “ Whatever be the contradictory customs or habits, in all cases pertaining to Intestate Succession of non-agricultural land without wasiya on it, Special Property of Females, ( including the property received or inherited through contract, donation or some other provision in the Personal Law), marriage, divorce, (Talaq, Lihar, Eala’, maintenance, dower) guardianship, voluntary donation, trusts, Trust property and Waqf, if the parties involved are Muslims, the laws will be Personal Law( Sharia’h)” Te first part of this provision goes so far as to outlaw customs that contravene the spirit of the Sharia’h. It is in accordance with this provision that Muslim shari’h is applicable for Muslims in the case of marriages.
The Muslim Personal Law implemented in India can be classified mainly into two categories. (1) Sunni Law (2) Shi’ah Law. There are three schools of thought in Sunni Law itself. As far as Muslims in India are concerned, majority of the Muslims belong to Hanafi school of thought. Mughal kings used to enforce Hanafi laws. However, in Kerala most of the Muslims follow Shafi school of thought. In a significant ruling issued by Kerala High Court concerning Amina v/s Hassankoya case, it was stated that the followers of Shafi school of thought had to prove that they belonged to that school.
When disputes were resolved during the British rule, great weight was given to the prevailing customs of the place. The fact, however, was that because of the long-standing intermingling between Hindus and Muslims, several Hindu customs had crept into the community, which had led the courts mixing up the Islamic laws with unislamic practices. The sharia’h Application Act of 1937 came as a response to this problem. After the Independence, Indian government approved of this and later in compliance with Micellaneous Personal Laws-1956 made it applicable to all Muslims from 1.2.1960, except in Kashmir and some Union Territories. K. Abdullah Hassan gave a talk on ‘Marriage in Muslim Sharia’h.
It was followed by a discussion session in which the leaders of various Muslim organizations. Opening the deliberations, Dr Hussain Madavur, the General secretary, All India Islahi Movement, said, “ first there must be a Shaia’h code. Once there was a lot of discussion concerning this. But there was no follow-up action. New laws must be made jointly by legal experts and religious scholars. The official Islamic Jurisprudence in Saudi Arabia belongs to the Hanbali school of thought. Nonetheless, the views of other schools of thought are taken on board. The draft law shuld therefore take on board not only the followers of all schools of thought but those who do not adhere to any.” Dr Husain Madavoor also urged that efforts be made to dispel the doubts and concerns regarding the Marriage Registration Act of 2008 and urged the Justitia to form a committee and plan future activities. The representative of the Kanthapuram Sunni faction, Adv. Ismail Wafa expressed concern that the attempts to enforce Uniform Civil Code were up and running.
The representative of Jamate Islami, Jb V.K Ali, the Member of State Consultation Committee participated in the deliberations. The representative of Kerala Nadvathul Mujahid and the General Secretary of the organization A.P Abdul Kader held that the quote unquote Sharia’h Application Act was nothing but Application Act and was not Sharia’h Act. Then the Member of Muslim Personal Law Board Abdul Shukur Moulavi maintained that The Sharia’h Act must be reformed in consultation with Personal Law Board and said that the Marriage Registration Act of 2008 was taking cudgels against the Islamic Sharia’h. The Secretary, Kerala Bar Association Adv. T H Abdul Aziz reminded that cases must not be taken to courts of laws and should be settled out of the court as far as possible.
It was followed by a speech delivered by the General Secretary, Kerala Muslim Jamat Federation, Adv. K P Muhammed. He suggested that a committee comprised of legal experts and religious scholars be formed for the purpose. The Legal Reform Committee headed by Krishna Aiyer did not have a single Muslim. So such laws wouldn’t hold much water. New Sharia’h Act inclusive of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution must be made. The State President, M.E.S Dr. Fazal GAfur suggested that delegates from North India should have been included in the discussion. Dispute Resolution Committees must be formed and courts must be avoided as far as possible, he advised. The former Law Secretary Adv. C. Khalid suggested setting up a permanent forum to discuss such issues. The Secretary, South Kerala Jami’tul Ulama Todiyur Muhammed Kunchi Moulavi maintained that the draft law must be inclusive of schools of thought in Islamic Jurisprudence and when a case comes up in court, one should not have to grope in the dark.
Another Secretary of South Kerala Jam’iatul Ulama Tevakkara Aliyar Kunch Muslaiyar opined that the argument from some quarters that the Shari’ah itself should be scrapped instead of reforming the Muhammedan Law was not acceptable.
Adv. Alikkoya, General Secretary Keral Jami’tul Ulama A Abdul Hamid Madani, Adv. P K Ahmed, Rasul Gafur, T K Husain and H Shahir are among those who spoke on the occasion. Mujahid leader Umer Sullami and Assistant Amir jamate Islami Kerala Sheikh Muhammed Karakkunnu also spoke.
The President, Justitia Adv. Ahmed Kutty Puttalath, Adv M P Aslam, Adv. M M Aliyar were the members of the Presidium. The General Secretary Adv. C Ubaidullah welcomed the gathering, while Vice-President Adv. K L Abdul Salam proposed a vote of thanks.
Riyadh International Book Fair(13.4.2009)
Every year Book Fair in Saudi Arabia starts on the first Tuesday of March. This time around, however, the curtain rose on the 10-day-long gala on the third of May. The fair showcased 650-odd publishers and nearly 250,000 titles from 27 countries including India. The Minister for Cultural Affairs and Communications Mr. Abdul aziz Khoja inaugurated the programme on behalf of the ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah. The function honoured 14 celebrated writers and scholars in the country.
The fair which lasted from 10 in the morning to 10 at night saw unprecedented number of visitors. Porters carrying heavy cartels full of books, book lovers pulling trolleys with bags that could contain huge tomes and media representatives who had come to interview the big names in the industry were some of the common sights at the venue. Islamic Publishing House, the only publishers from India was given enthusiastic coverage in Malayalam media. Channels and newspapers gave tremendous importance to I.P.H pavilion.. They conducted interviews with Dr Abdussalam Vaniyambalam and Abdullah Manham who represented I P H at the function. The English newspapers like Arab News and Saudi Gazette and Arab newspapers like Assarkulausath and Shams also gave pretty good coverage.
The popular Arabic radio channel in Saudi Arabia Ithaatul Quran aired an interview conducted with the I P H representatives. Other popular channels in Saudi Arabia like AlMajd, Dana AlIqbariya, Al Autan and Channel One T.V also ran footages and interviews pertaining to the programme. The fact that ‘The Road to Mekkah’ by Muhammed Asad had been published in Malayalam half a century ago enthused the Arab literary world.
One day when the pavilion opened, the first visitor was a Saudi citizen accompanied by a friend. He said he had come there as he had watched the interview the previous night. He asked for the copies of I P H books but was chagrined when told that only Malayalam copy was available. Another Saudi woman in veil asked for the copies of all books by Maududi. She was shown some of the stalls where Maududi’s books were available in Arabic.
Numerous people from other states in India also visited the I P H pavilion, expecting to find titles in Urdu and English especially by Maududi. Once they learned only Malaylam books were available at the stalls, they felt rather let down. However most of the visitors were amazed both by the life and the small collection of poemsy Kamala Surayya, translated into Arabic by K. Moidu Moulavi. They all asked for the poems but only one copy was left in the stall. So they all handed their addresses and cell numbers so as to be sent the copies at the earliest.
The Deputy Minister for Cultural Affairs and Communications Dr Abdul Aziz Azzubail visited the pavilion on the second day of the fair. He congratulated the I P H on translating Sheikh Ibnu Baz, Sheikh Ali Tantavi, Sayyid Maududi, Murad Hoffman and Begovitzch into Malayalam. On learning about the Malayalam version of ‘The Road to Makkah’ published in Malayalam fifty years ago, he said, “My compatriots must know about the I.P.H that has made such tremendous contributions. I myself will inform all the media persons here.” At once he called a reporter of Al Hayat and introduced the I P H to him.
The fair helped us make friends with a number of university teachers, religious scholars, and research scholars, people in high offices and merchants and industrialists, besides many other people from other walks of life.
On the last day of the fair, a Saudi citizen rushed into the pavilion in haste and asked for some particular titles. He already had some volumes of Tafheemul Quran, the masterpiece of Maududi. However, we could only show him the six volumes in Malayalam. He gave us the address and insisted on being his guests the following day. He was an illustrious judge in Saudi Arabia.
JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI TO VOTE AGAINST
IMPERIALIST POLICY(4.4.2009)
Calicut: The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Kerala Chapter will vote against imperialistic policy and fascist forces in the upcoming parliament elections in India, announced its state president, Arif Ali.
He was speaking at a press conference convened at the Hira Center, headquarters of JIH Kerala in Calicut.
With regard to the parliament seats in the state, JIH Kerala has decided to support the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidates in 18 out of the 20 constituencies, in view of the fact that they have taken a strong stand against hegemony of western powers and Indian extremist communal outfits. LDF has also shown a keen interest in safeguarding the rights of minorities in India including Muslims.
However, Arif Ali pointed out that his organization would support two non-LDF candidates. They are E.T. Muhammed Basheer, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) nominee at the constituency of Ponnani, and M.I. Shah Nawaz, candidate nominated by the Indian National Congress Party at Wayanad.
Apart from Arif Ali, vice presidents Sheikh Mohammed Karakunnu and M.I. Abdul Aziz, and Hameed Vanimel, political secretary attended the press conference.
The leaders said the policy of the Jamaat was that Muslims needed to get more representation in the Indian Parliament. The support given to the LDF for this election was on the basis of the issues that party had taken up, especially supporting the cause of Muslims. The party had taken a strong stand against the U.S. imperialism and firmly objected to India signing the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal.
Arif Ali further said that his party would vote against the former under secretary of the UN, Shashi Tharoor, Congress party nominee in the state capital of Trivandrum, and K.V. Thomas, Congress party candidate in the Ernakulam constituency, in line with the party’s firm stand against advocates of the imperialistic policy.
Digital edition of Thafheemul Qur’an
Only Qur’an can show the right way. Eijaz Aslam (25.10.2008)
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The digital edition of Thafheemul Qur’an in Malayalam ,the magnum opus of celebrated Islamic thinker and founder of Jamaat-e- Islami, Moulana Abul Aa’la Maududi was released on October 24 – 2008.
The function , held at Variyankunnath Kunhahammed Haji Memorial Town Hall, Malappuram was simple but significant in that this was the first ever exhaustive digital edition of the Qur’an, its text, meaning and commentaries, in any language.
Delivering the key-note address at the function, the Secretary of J IH Mr. Eijaz Alam said that only the Qur'an can show the right way to the modern world, plagued by torture, penury, exploitation and poverty of true knowledge.
India on the one hand, is moving ahead with Chandrayan and other tremendous strides in science and development and may possibly land on other planets soon. On the other hand, India is giving 21 per cent of our income to IMF and World Bank as interest. Scientific developments are abused for the decimation of humanity. The attempt to take God’s message, at such a crucial time, to the whole humankind was praiseworthy, he added.
Mr. A.P Anil Kumar MLA received the first digital copy from Mr. Eijaz Aslam. The Ameer, Jamaat e Islami Kerala Mr T Arifali presided over the function. The former Education Minister Mr. E.T Muhammed Basheer, secretary, KNM Mr. Kunhi Muhammed Parappur, state president Solidarity Youth Movement Mr. P Mujeeb Rahman, State President SIO Kerala, Mr. C Davud and President, KIG, Saudi Arabia, Mr. KM Basheer also spoke on the occasion. V.K Abdu, the convener, Thafheem Digitization Project introduced the digital edition.
User-friendly software, meanings of words in Qur’an (that pop up as curser is moved over them), translations of Qur’an in English and Malayalam, index facility in different ways, the facility to read and listen to Quranic text page by page, the recitations by three celebrated reciters, explanation for 1000-odd words, subject- based search and extensive guidelines on the science of recitation are some of the unique features of the digital edition. Available in both CD and DVD format, the digital Thafheem , besides containing the entire commentary of the Quran running into 6 bulky tomes in Malayalam, also provides the Arabic text of Hadeeths mentioned in the commentary, a collection of the pictures, video clips and maps that can be selected on demand and a library full of scholarly articles that shed light on the study of the Quran as well as a digital Quran Quiz that both entertains and educates.
While the Quranic text is displayed at the top of the page, the left page contains the meaning and the right page gives facilities for searches of various sorts, which help the reader to read in no time any subject in any part of the six volumes of commentaries, at the click of a button. The book mark facility enables the reader to mark the sections covered by the reader. One can search for any word in Quran through the search facility. An Arabic key board layout has also been provided so that even if one does not know to type in Arabic, one can make use of the facility. The software can be copied entirely on hard disk in the computer.
The project was completed as a joint venture of ‘Dharma Dhara’ Kozikkode and Kerala Islamic Group (KIG) Saudi Arabia. Dharma Dhara distribute the copies in Kerala.
Housing Scheme for Kolathupuzha Mukkalcent Colony (1.10.2008)
When the rain clouds gather again in the sky above mountains in the east, the residents of Mukkalcent do not get their usual jitters. Water dripping through notches in the thatched roof and damp earthen floor has become a thing of the past. The helpless residents of the area were uprooted in the inevitable after math of development process. The development of National Highway brought them to the putrid pigeon-hole in their quest for a permanent settlement they had left no stone unturned until they had their demand met, thanks to the determination and perseverance of a small group of people. They had managed to get three quarters of the land as well as its title deed. Even as they stepped out of the confines of 3 quarters in to the relative comforts of 3 cents, their faces didn’t light up bright enough .Solidarity area leadership took up the settlement issue of the colony residents with Jamaat e Islami kerala halqa. When jamaat leadership was seized of the magnitude of the problem and the plight of the victims, the history of the residents of the Mukkalcent colony was redrafted. When those who have been enjoined to struggle for the cause of Allah knew about the plight of their brethren in colonies, they gave away a portion of their wealth and sweat so as to wipe the tears of the colony residents. As a result they got a firm floor under their feet and a secure roof over their heads.
The housing scheme, announced on May 1,2008 and costing 24 lakhs for 36 families, was brought to fruition in 100 days by the economic and physical dedication of a handful of humane people.
There was a visible mood of euphoria among the whole of MukkalCent on August 22, 2008. They made arrangements for the reception of Jamaat e Islami kerala Amir, the minister of water resource N. K Premachandran and other dignitaries. Hakkeem Sahib,an early member of the Islamic movement, Jamaat e Islami Kerala state secretary, T.K Hussain,Father Abraham Joseph and general manager, the madhyamam daily were already present at the colony, when Jamaat e Islami kerala Amir T Arifali along with solidarity state president P Mujeeb Rahman and Jamaat e Islami kollam district president P.H Mohamed arrived at the spot by 10.30 in the morning. The whole of the colony stood in lines behind a banner that welcomed the Amir.
An enthusiastic procession was taken out by the colony residents prior to the public meeting and key distribution ceremony held at Kulathupuzha market junction. The minister N.K Premachandran, who came in time, expressed his readiness to visit the colony, some 3 kms away.
The meeting started with the recital from the Quran by Br.Ilyas Moulavi. Jamate Islami District President welcomed the gathering, while JI State Secretary T.K Husain presided over the function. In his inaugural address, JI Amir T.Arifali described JI as a movement that studies issues on the bases of scriptures and teachings of the prophet and does what it can towards their solutions. The aim of the movement is to bring society closer to God. Nearness to God, he said, does not mean keeping away from men. The only way to get close to God is through men, Amir added. The efforts and struggle of Jamate Islami are for all deprived sections in society. It is inevitable to keep the current pluralism creative. Such rehab efforts are not mere service but a fusion of struggle and politics. The aim behind bringing the presentation of the housing scheme in Kulathuppuzha is to give a fresh dimension to the debate regarding the politics of land, he disclosed.
While presenting the housing scheme on the occasion, minister NK Prenchandran recalled his long standing association with J I, which started while he was a member of Gramma Panchayath and still continues to be warm and cordial. The minister was honoured to have been involved in many humanitarian efforts of the organisation, he said. He wondered why the critics of Islam, who paint all Muslims with one broad brush of terrorism do not see such true Islamic activities in which a group of young Muslims spent their money and sweat to build houses for families, regardless of their caste or creed .House for everybody is a dream of Kerala, the minister said and called upon all NGOs political parties to work alongside government to accomplish this dream.
The distribution of keys was inaugurated by the minister handing it over Grama Panchayath President and Tehesildar. The represenatives of the colony residents Mr. Baby tand Pulavallor Vilasini received keys from N K Premchandran and Punalur MLA Adv. K Raju respectively. A banner that renamed the colony Mythri(Amity) was received from the colony representative Kunhimon, and put on display. Punalur MLA Adv. KRaju, Solidarity State President P Mujeeb Rahman, Pathanpuram Thahasildar H. Nasirudheen, Kulathupuzha, Muslim Jamaat President C Meera Sahib Lebba, Grama Panchayth Member Sabu Ebraham, Panchayath President Kulathupuzha B Rjiv, environmental and social activist Odanavattom Vijayaprakashandgrama Panchayath Member Abdul Gafur fecilitated. Convener C S ANsari proposed a vote of thanks
1 October2008
“Solidarity to strengthen pro people initiative”
P Mujeebrahman, State President of Solidarity Youth Movement, Kerala speaks on the new the policies and programmes of the movement
Solidarity Youth Movement is understood to be born of a bold decision of Islamic movement in Kerala. How do you reflect to this?
Definitely it was a bold decision of Jamat Kerala to form a youth movement. The target of Solidarity was to unite young people, prepare them to establish virtues and fight against evils. Solidarity addressed capitalistic imperialism, fascism and communalism as the major threats of our times. It tried hard to regain the revolutionary youthhood to fight these evils. It could present the youthhood useful for social service. Because of these intense efforts Solidarity could get a recognizable space in the socio cultural and political arena of Kerala that too within a short span of 4 years
Can you briefly explain a few major activities of Solidarity during these 4 years?
The motto of Solidarity is Service and struggle. Within last 2 years, we built 450 homes to poor people irrespective caste and religion. “Your donations + our physical efforts = homes to needy people” was the formula of the housing project. We got encouraging response from the generous people. Our cadre themselves built each of these houses with their hands.
Solidarity penetrated into adivasi and fisher folk areas. Many of their problems and injustices committed by authorities against them were solved by us. In the recent district conferences held under the theme “witness of youth for justice and existence” large number of adivasis and fishermen participated.
Many campaigns of Solidarity were unique in its contents and style. Campaign held in 2004 on drug abuse and addiction had much positive impacts. Another campaign “Youth’s call for a friendly Kerala” observed in 2003 when the state was under the grip of communal riots had helped to block the blow of communalism. We addressed the emerging fascism in Kerala at many crucial junctures.
Solidarity dealt with the concept of development in these days. The theme of the first state conference in which 1 lakh youth participated was “a correction in development for human and soil”. The agenda of capitalistic imperialism behind the present development mania was unveiled through many programs. A proposed project of express high way that will in effect divide Kerala into two watertight compartments and cause serious ecological impacts was resisted through popular struggle. The protest of adivasis of Plachimada against the corporate giant coca cola was popularized through the interventions of Solidarity.
Teens’ Meet Fête and Light for the Teens (8.6.2008)
Kerala: As usual, this year also SIO has made a mark with the annual Teens’ Meet. It was quite a remarkable event with various programmes like open forums, film reviews, career guidance etc. Around 3000 students participated in Teens’ Meets held in various parts of the State. Students who had attended Teens’ Meets in previous years shared their different experiences with others. The two-day camp was very interesting with a variety of socially relevant, interactive sessions. Through these Meets students refreshed their brain with new thoughts and views and they have been galvanised to enlighten their future and to serve the society.
Teens’ Meets covered different topics like Students and Education, Our Environment, the Media, Psychology, the Prophets, Career Guidance, Personality Development, Movements of Islam, Life after Death etc. There were open forums on various topics like Drug Addiction, Society, Moral Responsibility etc. Film exhibitions, project studies, Study tours, trekking, debates were also a few among the various programmes held in different districts. A variety of cultural programmes were also staged by students.
Various veteran leaders of JIH and SIO, psychologists, social activists, media persons and all interacted with students. All of these sessions have been very interesting and thought provoking for students.
Scrap Price Hike – Arif Ali(4.6.2008)
Kozhikode: T. Arif Ali, Kerala state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind described the move of the central government in favor of a steep hike in the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas as a challenge to the public and demanded that the price hike should be immediately withdrawn.
By announcing a hike in the fuel prices the government has dealt a heavy blow to the common people who were already suffering dire scarcity of food grains, skyrocketing prices of essential goods and the alarming rate of inflation. They were rather expecting some soothing measures by the government.
Price hike is an indication that the economic stability of the country is deteriorating day by day. This back-breaking hike in prices is the outcome of the reckless economic reforms and cronyism to imperialism being implemented by our country since 1990. The government, the ruling party and the political alliance are incapable of curbing the soaring prices and inflation even if they take decisions in this regard.
The government’s excuse for price hike that the oil companies are suffering losses should be examined, said Arif Ali. The oil companies are making huge profits for the government and there is a decrease in their revenue now. The government is hurling the burden on the shoulders of the common people by terming the decrease in the revenue of the oil companies as loss. It is the duty of the government to find out means other than a hike in prices.
Though the state’s decision to cut down excise and customs duties is commendable, the Kerala government should put pressure on the UPA government to take measures including withdrawal of the price hike. Arif Ali said that the government and the people are duty bound to re-examine the economic policies blindly followed by the country.
Solidarity Unveils Endosulfan Rehab Scheme
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Jama'at-e-Islami Hind Kerala Circle Ameer T Arifali unveiled the project, conceived and drawn up by the Solidarity Youth Movement, for the rehabilitation of endosulfan victims in five panchayats in Kasaragod district. The first phase of the scheme of Rs 50,00,000 will cover expenses for building houses, education, medical treatment, ration and employment for those affected by the tragedy. The panchayats that will be benefited by the scheme are Enkamache, Kumbadache, Mooliyar, Kayoor-cheemeni and Pulloor-periya.
The tragedy had struck these panchayats 26 years ago, following the Kerala government’s indiscriminate spraying of the deadly pesticide endosulfan in 8000 acres of the cashew plantations under Kerala Plantation Corporation. No mandatory precautions were taken before the pesticide was sprayed. The people in the area in these areas became the victims of this man-made tragedy. 4000-odd people are suffering from various disastrous consequences like cancer, epilepsy, congenital disorders, blindness, deafness psoriasis, cerebral palsy etc. More than 200 people have already died from pesticide-related causes. Besides, the tragedy has flung the residents of the area to abject poverty.
It was the legal battle waged by the agriculture officer Ms Leela Kumariyamma that brought out the magnitude of the problem to the general attention. Wide media coverage and the high-pitched activities of green activists made the issue popular. Solidarity since its inception has been in the forefront of the struggle against endosulfan. The relief operation, ‘Succour for the Victims of Poisonous Rains,’ carried out by Solidarity in connection with its District Conference, was part of its humanitarian intervention on behalf of the hapless people. Under the scheme food grains and other essential commodities were collected and given away to people in the affected areas.
More than 12 commissions set up by the State Government to look into the endosulfan tragedy came up with various theories for the causes of tragedy and wasted millions of rupees. Endosulfan was finally banned by the Kerala High Court in 2002, by the Kerala Government in 2004, and by the Union Government in 2005.
During the last UDF administration the authorities of the district had submitted to it a proposal for relief scheme to the tune of Rs 8.40 crores but to no avail. The present LDF government’s payment of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of all those who died between 1996 and 2006 July 31 was a much-needed relief to the victims. Furthermore another scheme to the tune of Rs 50 lakhs that offers medical treatment in a private hospital in Mangalore is also under way.
All the projects of the government are implemented through Zilla Panchayat, Kasaragod. The handicap cards distributed through government medical camps have helped the people to get old-age pension. Apart from these token benefits from the government, the suffering people have got no substantial aids from any quarters. The lists of the affected people prepared by various panchayats are still lying at the disposal of Zilla Panchayat.
It is against such a hopelessly bleak background that Solidarity is putting forward a multi-faceted rehabilitation project. It must be placed on record that Solidarity received overwhelming support for this noble endeavour from shops, houses, government offices, schools, mosques, temples, churches and people from all walks of life. Solidarity conducted an elaborate survey to identify the deserving beneficiaries of the project in the designated villages. The executive committees constituted for the purpose then held elaborate deliberations before a final decision was taken on the areas for assistance. 35 families were included under the housing scheme, of which 18 families are to get newly constructed houses while 17 families will get their houses renovated. One new house is estimated to cost Rs 1,20,000 while renovation expense for a house is estimated at Rs 50,000.Twelve persons will receive medical assistance and the expenses will cover specialists’ examination, assistance for permanent medication, artificial legs, waterbeds, physiotherapy, and surgery. Gravely ill patients will get as much as Rs 5,000 to 2,05,000. A sum of Rs 7 lakhs has been allocated for the purpose and the scheme will benefit 87 families. All families under the scheme will get food articles worth Rs 500 to 700 delivered to their houses. A sum of Rs 76 lakhs has been earmarked for this scheme. Seven familes will be given assistance for buying sewing machines, cattle-rearing and starting business. One family will get from Rs 5,000 to 25,000 and this scheme has one lakh rupees earmarked. 32 children will be covered under the educational scheme and they will get assistance towards school fees, bus fare and buying books and uniforms. The assistance will be to the tune of Rs 2000 to 5000 and as much as one lakh rupees has been allotted for the scheme.
The Ameer urged Plantation Corporation to make retributions for the endosulfan victims. No compensation can be adequate for those widowed and orphaned by the tragedy, he said. Only a symbolic solution is possible at the moment. Solidarity is taking up relief operations and these will be offered in a way that would in no way discriminate among the beneficiaries on the bases of religion and community. Solidarity has so far adopted a unique style of operation that combines service for the victims and struggle for their rights. When Solidarity went to the people to collect money with the target of building 100 houses, the society entrusted it with money that could build 400 houses. One could ask why Solidarity does not hand over the collected money to the government. The answer is, only Solidarity can spend double the collected money in the affected areas because as it utilises the workforce of its activists as well. Bureaucratic red-tapism and inevitable complexities of government procedures will delay the activities that Solidarity undertakes.
The educational scheme of the project was inaugurated by MLA Advocate C. H. Kuhnambu who handed over a bank draft to Shahina in Mooliyar Panchayath. 32 children will be benefited under the scheme. Solidarity was carrying out an activity worth emulating, the MLA said at the function. To collect Rs 50 lakhs and spend it in the appropriate manner is not a trivial matter, he added.
The scheme for the construction of houses was inaugurated by MLA Pallippuram Balan who handed over a bank draft to Kousalya of Kayyoor Cheemeni panchayat. The scheme will benefit 35 families in the area. The MLA said that while the government project for endosulfan victims had been woefully inadequate, Solidarity’s endeavour was praiseworthy. The Assembly Committee, in its fact-finding mission, had found that there were victims of pesticides in other districts as well.
Medical treatment scheme was inaugurated by Dr. Mohankumar by handing over a bank draft to Sruthy from Enkamache panchayat. 126 persons will be offered free medical treatment under the scheme. The doctor said that he considered the rice kits given away by Solidarity to the suffering victims much more valuable than thousands of rupees posthumously given away. And it is by bringing aids and succour to the suffering people that the authorities must intervene in such situations.
Zilla Panchayat Vice President Mr. Mohammed Mubarak Haji marked the inauguration of the ration scheme by handing over a bank draft to Anilkumar Ratna from Pulloor-periya Panchayat, which will benefit 87 families in the affected areas. The services of Solidarity will strengthen the welfare activities led by the Zilla Panchayat, he said in his inaugural address.
Prof. M. A. Rahman inaugurated the employment scheme and handed over a draft to Yogesh from Kumbadache Panchayat. The scheme is expected to bring its benefit to 7 families. In his inaugural address he urged the people to recognize the two images of Kerala; the one being acted out in Thalassery (a reference to political killings between activists of CPM and BJP), the other on display on that auspicious forum. This scheme marks the culmination of 20 days of travel in the affected areas for a direct assessment of the sufferings of the endosulfan victims
. The function was presided over by Solidarity state president P. Mujeeb Rahman. Had the tragedy that struck the district of Kasaragod far away from the corridors of power struck in southern or middle Kerala, it would have received greater attention and consideration, he said. Solidarity would spend all the collected money down to the last coin, together with the workforce of the organisation, for the benefit of its rightful beneficiaries.
Enkamache Panchayat president A. Pushpa, Zilla Panchayat Standing Committee chairman P. A. Ashrafali, Jama’ate Islami district president P. K. Aboobacker Nadvi and member of the state committee T. Shakir also spoke on the occasion. Solidarity general secretary K. A. Shafeeque welcomed the gathering and district president Shafeeq Nasrullah proposed a vote of thanks.
24 March 2008
USE DEMOCRATIC POSSIBILITIES, INVOLVE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS: GHANNOUCHI
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Santapuram: Sheikh Rachid al Ghannouchi, the renowned Islamic thinker, has called upon Muslims to make use of the democratic possibilities of the pluralistic society and participate in the political process. The fact that power and the community have so far proceeded on two different paths has brought great loss to Muslims, he said. Sheikh Ghannouchi was delivering the inaugural address at a seminar on “Islam in the New World”, held in connection with the Convocation of Al Jamia al Islamiya at Santapuram, Kerala.
Taking part in electoral politics makes it possible to influence decision-making forces. It is indeed better to be part of the decision-making process than to keep away from power. At a time when democracy had elements of profanity and irreligiosity in it, scholars had reason to be afraid that democracy might contaminate the Islamic ideology. But in the new world there is no room for such apprehension any more since Islam is strong enough to withstand such elements. At the same time, the West does not encourage democratisation of Muslim countries. They take this attitude because they are afraid that in a democratic set-up Islam will only grow. Ghannouchi pointed out that the Islamic world has demonstrated the meaninglessness of the propaganda that technology and modern science are alien to Islam. Evidently, it is possible to acquire technology while being loyal to the faith.
Ghannouchi urged that jihad should not be used to tarnish the image of Islam. Jihad is meant for the fight against colonialism and for struggles for freedom. Islam is an ideology that respects pluralism. In a country like India, where freedom exists, there is no scope for jihad. Muslim organisations must resolve their mutual conflicts through compromise, and facilitate unity. Even the European Union could bring together 35 countries. Ghannouchi asserted that Islamic renascence would be impossible without accommodating women.
Former Education Minister of Kerala E T Muhammad Basheer, Nadwatul Mujahideen General Secretary Husain Madavoor, KNM Secretary Kunhimuhammad Parappur, Madhyamam Editor O Abdurrahman, and Member of Jama’at-e-Islami Central Council T K Abdullah also spoke at the function.
7 March 2008
SIO’s activity that blends study, service and struggle is an eye-opener for other student outfits
Kerala is never short of protests and agitations. One often wonders, however, how many of the organizations on the ‘warpath’ are motivated by genuine interests for people. So in an environment of agitation often defiled by realpolitik and vested interests it was something of a rarity to see a student organization, the SIO, launching a statewide agitation for the educational rights of the people and against the successive governments’ step-motherly attitude to the Malabar region. Unlike usual agitations which lose the steam after the initial spurt in enthusiasm SIO carried its struggle through to its logical conclusion by rendering physical service for the benefit of the people when the government’ belated sanction of seats coupled with the lack of facilities in schools made the situation difficult for the intended beneficiaries.
For the past two years SIO had been on a relentless campaign to expose the discrimination against Malabar region in respect of educational facilities especially in the availability of +2 seats in the higher secondary schools of the region. When finally a few seats did come with the direction of the Government in their regard, many schools were ill-equipped to accommodate the additional batches. SIO in the meantime instead of breathing easy pitched in to build rooms and makeshift classrooms on its own.
SIO constructed new buildings in GVHSS Mankada,GHSS Mankada Pallippuram and GHSS Manjeri, Nellikkuth. They provided Cheriyamundom GHSS with necessary furniture.
Malabar is a woefully neglected region in the education map of Kerala.. SIO’s study had revealed a couple of years ago that higher secondary schools in the region were quite inadequate both in terms of number and infrastructure.
Even while students in Malappuram District scored good marks in higher examinations successive governments turned a blind eye to the lack of essential facilities there. It is ironical that ‘Malappuram’s own party’ has held the educational portfolio for good many years. A comparison with educational facilities in southern districts will bring out the glaring disparities. While numerous seats in higher secondary schools in Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram districts lie vacant with no takers, students in Malappuram district, where the largest number took the SSLC exam, are left high and dry with no facilities for higher studies.
This discrimination can be seen at the graduate and postgraduate levels as well. It must be remembered that though government and aided colleges are few and far between in the district, the district ‘boasts’ of numerous unaided colleges that cater to the rich.
SIO planned and conducted various programmes on this issue in Malappuram and Calicut districts. The booklet ‘Is Malabar inside or outside the Education Map of Kerala?’ reveals the depth of the neglect and inequality experienced by the Malabar for ages. The seminar ‘Doesn’t Malabar belong to Kerala?’ organized as part of the campaign could also bring the issue to publicl attention. . It was given wide coverage in the media .SIO submitted memorandums to the district authorities and MLAs and MPs from the districts. SIO workers conducted a dharna and took out a march to the secretariat in the capital. When the government showed shameless nerve to conduct the state level inauguration of state school youth fete in Calicut, SIO activists blocked the Minister for Education Mr. M. A. Baby.
Thanks to the many efforts to highlight the issue many media and organizations also rallied behind. It was at this juncture that the government, unable to resist the spreading agitation, was forced to sanction a few seats in Malabar region. Though the 7000 extra seats the district got were nowhere near the actual requirement—a huge number of students still cannot get admission—the government’s response in the first year of the protest itself was rather favourable.
However, the problems of Malappuram do not end with a few seats alone. Nearly all the schools where seats are sanctioned have to struggle with inadequate facilities. When SIO submitted its study report on the basic facilities in the schools to the district authorities the response was too frosty and none too encouraging. The study had revealed two problem areas; one concerning the financial burden the students will have to bear, and the other concerning loss of classes due to the late admission. At a press conference in Malappuram SIO submitted an educational project which put forward some relevant suggestions to improve the situation. The most significant of these was that SIO would construct makeshift buildings and provide furniture for schools in dire need and that SIO would offer free tuition to make up for lost classes. SIO also offered to pay the fees of needy students.
These declarations received many favourable responses. Some schools sought SIO’s help within days. Free tuition, handled mostly by teachers who volunteered, also benefited numerous students.
SIO undertook three buildings in the district. The building in GHSS Mankada, completed by SIO within four days, was funded by PTA. In Mankada Pallipuram SIO built three classrooms and C Davood, the state president of SIO, handed over the building to the authorities. The entire expenses of the buildings were borne by SIO, a fact that came in for praise from PTA president, principal and the headmistress of the School. In Nellikuth School SIO constructed classrooms that cost around RS.60,000/- of which PTA bore a quarter. The inaugural function of the classrooms was attended by a galaxy of dignitaries like the Literacy Ambassador Chelakkodan Aysha, JIH Assist Amir Shaikh Mohammed Karakkunu and people’s representatives.
In Malappuram West SIO’s services were inaugurated by providing necessary furniture for GHSS Cheriyamundam at a function attended among others by K. T. Jaleel MLA and C Davood.
In most places the works were completed with the cooperation and participation of the workers of Jama’at-e-Islami and Solidarity Youth Movement. Door-to-door and shop-to-shop bucket collection was also one of the means to meet the expenses.
The unique feature of SIO’s activity that blends study, service and struggle is an eye-opener for other student outfits.
24 February 2008
Convention of Members of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Kerala Circle
Held at Pathiripala near Palakkad from 2008 January 12-14
Where wisdom and experience merged
The Annual Get-together of the members of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Kerala, held in Pathirippalala, Palakkad district on 12,13 and 14 January 2008 laid out and analysed many fresh policies and steps the Islamic movement proposes to take in the coming years. The meeting began with a Quran class by M.V.Saleem Moulavi. He called upon the workers to introspect if darkness had crept into the minds of the Islamic workers and warned against tripping in the dark as the hypocrites of the Prophet’s days did. Instead, he added, the Islamic activists should follow the prophets and find their rightful place on the side of the light.
The Nazim of the meet Jb M.I Abdul Aziz Sahib gave directions regarding the meet and informed the delegates about the inability of JIH Amir to attend the meet, as he had taken ill on the way and had been advised complete rest. He urged everybody to pray for his speedy recovery.
JIH Secretary Jb. Nusrath Ali inaugurated the meet. He began his speech by pointing out the double obligation of the workers who should both take the movement forward and draw people into the fold. Local Jama’at units must be the hub of the movement’s activities, he added. He also pointed out the weaknesses of the Muslim community and reminded the activists of their duty to strengthen it. The world is passing through a post-modern phase, he reminded. At this juncture we should spread our ideas as far as possible at the personal level and set examples for others while discharging the duty of da’wa (propagation of Islam) in the society at large.
Halqa Amir T. Arifali, delivering the presidential speech, expressed his happiness at the fact that the meet was being held in the month of Muharram, termed Shahrullah in Islamic traditions. The Amir prayed for K.N. Abdullah Moulavi, Abul Jalal Moulavi, T. K. Mohammed (these three passed away in the past year) and all for ailing members who could not make it to the meet. The Amir reminded that our movement was the need and hope of the hour and Allah had blessed us with a path full of hopes and seamless wholesome possibilities. The best way for our activities to bear fruit lies in recognising from whom the world needed to be rescued. While Socialism sees Capitalism as a reality of our times, Islam identifies materialism from which capitalism springs, as the archenemy. The Holy Quran presents the comprehensive and all encompassing Islam but it is upon us to find how best we can implement it in a pluralist society like ours. The report presented by General Secretary M. K. Mohammed Ali probed both the strengths and the weaknesses of the Islamic movement and led to exhaustive discussions.
The main item in the afternoon session was a discussion opened by Halqa Amir, on ‘The future politics of Kerala and Islamic Movement’. The speech ‘Islamic Movement in the New Age’, delivered by Central Consultation Council (Shura) Member T. K. Abdullah brought the first day to an end at 7.30 in the evening.
The second day began with a Hadith class by State Secretary Sister K. K. Zuhra. The class drew the attention of the people to the importance of mutual relations based on ideals. It was followed by a speech by Sadiq Moulavi. It was titled ‘Tarbiyat (moral and spiritual improvement) at personal and socio-economic levels’. Secretary General Jb Nusrath Ali answered the queries from the delegates. An open discussion on ‘Tarbiyat: Principle and Practice’ followed, in which the opening address was delivered by Assistant Amir Jb. M. I. Abdul Aziz.
The afternoon session began with a short speech by Shaikh Muhammed Karakunnu, which opened a general discussion on ‘The Review and Suggestions of J. I. Members’. Following the Maghrib prayers, a number of educative and informative classes on various subjects like Capitalism, Environment, the Position of Women and Islamic Jurisprudence were handled by V. K. Ali, T. K. Farooq, Dr Koottil Mohamed Ali, K. Abdullah Hasan, all Kerala Shura members. These classes shed light on the stance and views of the Movement in the new age. K. A. Kasim Moulavi opened the third day with a Quran class, which stressed the need for steadfastness in the righteous path. A study class followed it on ‘World Islamic Movements in the Present Scenario’ by Dr. Abdussalam Vaniyambalam. The class exposed the delegates to the activities, methods of operations and new experiments of various Islamic Movements in West Asian and Arab countries. Following this, those concerned answered queries from delegates about the Islamic Movement
The motions of the conference on Muslim Unity, LDF government and on Fascism were read out by P. P. Abdu Rahman Peringadi. It was followed by the concluding words from the Halqa Amir. He prayed for Central and State leaders of Jama’at-e-Islami, and reminded the workers that the movement was passing through a new phase and called upon everybody to be prepared for it.
This meet defined the new world and discussed new policies and activities of the Movement in the new world. It also showed Islam has the potential to engage with the new world and how Islamic movements the world over were using it. The Amir called upon the followers to move forward with cheer and enthusiasm. The meet came to an end with the prayer of Amir.
The meet was a testimony to the fact that, though all organized forces were disintegrating as a result of globalization, the Islamic Movement in Kerala is as intellectually united as ever and as firm as a fortress. The meet was enriched by educative study classes and frank discussions. The old generation was effusive in their expression of affection and involvement. Many participated in the meet were often moved to tears. The presence of the new generation gave new hopes. It should be placed on record that the office-bearers of Mount Sina, and the workers and volunteers in the district took immense pains to for the effective conduct of the meet. May Allah bless them all with due reward. Ameen.
Resolutions Approved by the Convention
LDF government should correct its mistakes
The Left Democratic Front government came into power with an overwhelming majority and massive support. However it is highly disappointing that the government, instead of complying by the people’s mandate, is following the contrary policy. It was clearly promised in the election manifesto that effective measures would be taken to create awareness among the public on the evils of liquors. But the government has in fact taken measures to popularize liquor. Total confusion and tactlessness mark the field of Education. Forgetting its declared policies, the LDF is indiscriminately embracing foreign capital and accepting overseas aids and loans which will only help global invasive powers. This situation has shattered the hopes of enlightened Kerala. Instead of fighting imperialism and capitalism, the left has gone to the extent of declaring that socialism is an unattainable dream and that capitalism is the only refuge. Problems within the major party which is leading the government. and in fights in the Front have seriously affected the efficiency of the government. This convention of the members of Jamaat –e –Islami calls upon the LDF which is carrying on its in fights and quarrels instead of trying to solve the burning issues like the oppressive price hike, to take drastic measures to correct its mistakes.
Secular parties must unite against fascism
The results of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections point to the fact that fascist powers are on the come back, foiling all efforts to counter it. The division in secular votes owing to various reasons in these states has immensely helped the fascists. The Indian National Congress, which ought to have taken a leading role in uniting secular parties, is following a policy of soft Hindutwa. This policy is not only inadequate to counter fascism, but has also proved beneficial to the fascists. As the largest single party in the country, the congress is duty bound to build a strong front by bringing together secular forces. Political parties are again thinking of a Third Front because of the failure of congress in carrying out this duty. This move will only further divide secular forces and make the way easier for the fascists. Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh election results should be a lesson to further strengthen the resistance and fraternity against fascism. We call upon the secular parties to work judiciously for the unification of secular forces with the next Lok Sabha elections in view.
Bid for Kerala Muslim unity delightful
It is really heartwarming to see the cooperative mind and bid for unity observed among the Muslim organizations for solving the problems faced by Muslims in the various fields including education. Further positive steps should be taken to widen this attempt and to make it more effective. Maximum care should be taken by every one concerned for maintaining tolerance and respect to opposition while uniting to solve common problems. Well intentioned criticisms aiming at the internal purification of the community should be viewed and entertained with tolerance. American imperialism, Zionist terrorism and communal fascism are the serious problems faced by Islam and Muslims at the global and national levels. Muslim organizations should chalk out an order of priorities strong enough to face this situation. The attempt for unity has to be made effective by drawing out policies and attitudes according to a common agenda. This convention hopes that the new attempts for Kerala Muslim unity will be met with active co-operation from all sections of the community.
24 February 2008
Marad Case: Kerala Halqa Criticizes State Government Move
Calicut: Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala Halqa Ameer T. Arifali condemned the State government for opposing the bail application of the accused in the Marad case moved before the High Court.
In a press release issued at Calicut, Arifali said the attitude of the government would deny basic human rights since the trial was on for four and a half years now. (The Marad case is related to a sad incident of killing of nine fishermen at the seaside village of Marad, near Calicut in May 2003.)
He said there are aged and sick people among those languishing in the prison. The Indian Penal Code allows bail for the accused in the case of long-pending trials, he pointed out.
In its affidavit, the government stated that the law and order situation would be affected if bail was granted to the accused. This unveils the incompetence and weakness of the government in dealing with the situation. Controlling the law and order was the primary responsibility of the government, the Amir pointed out. He called for government action to expedite the trial and punish the culprits and release the innocent.
19 January 2008
Capitalism, Communism and Fascism are Destined to Fail
Nusrat Ali
Malappuram, (Kerala): Those with an ideological base need not think emotionally, said Nusrat Ali, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. He was talking at the inauguration of a public meeting of the Jamaat at Kottappadi Maidan here.
Capitalism, Communism and Fascism are losing their ideological ground. The economic progress claimed to have achieved through capitalism is confined to a small section of the rich people in the country.
Communism has been a fiasco, as admitted by its own leaders. They are saying that socialism is a remote dream and there is no shortcut to materialize it.
Fascism is trying to impose its ideals by force. That is impossible in a plural society like India. Modi’s victory in Gujarat was not an approval of the ideals of the BJP. It so happened due to the lack of an alternative for the BJP.
In his presidential address, T. Arifali, Ameer of JIH Kerala Circle, said that extremist groups operating in various parts of the world should not be associated with the Islamic movements. It is colonialism that stands behind them, he added.
T.K. Abdullah, member of the central shoura council, gave the key note address. P. Mujeeb Rahman, President of Solidarity, also spoke.
A message of JIH President Jalaluddin Ansar Omari was read out in the meeting. Abdul Hameed Vaniyambalam, president of Malappuram East district, welcomed the guests and N.K. Abdul Aziz expressed a vote of thanks.
16 January 2008
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