logo
Nimisha Priya isn't off the hook, but politics of credit has peaked

Nimisha Priya isn't off the hook, but politics of credit has peaked

India Today6 days ago
Seven years after Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death in Yemen in 2018 for the murder of a Yemeni national, she was scheduled to be executed on July 16. But hours before the death sentence was to be carried out, reports said that the execution had been postponed due to the intervention of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, also known as Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar.advertisementThe deferment, credited to the Kerala-based Musliyar, the 'Grand Mufti of India', may have provided temporary relief for Priya and her family through his intervention. But as her fate remains uncertain and further negotiations continue in Yemen, a battle, political in nature, over Musliyar's credit for the reprieve has erupted on Kerala's social media. Political parties, religious groups, and organisations, including the Nimisha Priya Action Council, are clashing online over who deserves the credit and also who does not.The ruling CPM, which is considered close to the influential AP group led by Musliyar, swiftly praised his humanitarian intervention in securing the postponement, and showing "the real Kerala story".
Meanwhile, Samuel Jerome, who heads the Nimisha Priya Action Council, and had been advocating for her release for years, claimed that no religious leader played a role in delaying her death sentence, and all talks happened at the government level.NIMISHA PRIYA CASE AND MUSLIYAR INTERVENTIONNimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from a Christian family in Kerala's Palakkad district, moved to Yemen in 2008 to pursue better job prospects. She later partnered with Talal Abdo Mahdi to establish a clinic in Sanaa. The relationship soured when Mahdi allegedly harassed her, claimed her as his wife publicly, and withheld her passport.In 2017, attempting to retrieve her passport, Priya sedated Mahdi, leading to his death from an overdose, according to Yemeni authorities. She was convicted of murder in 2018, and Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council upheld the death sentence in November 2023. With India lacking diplomatic relations with Yemen's Houthi-controlled government, efforts to save Priya relied on unconventional channels, including negotiations for "diyya" (blood money) to secure a pardon from Mahdi's family.Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, a prominent Sunni scholar and leader of the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama, emerged as a key figure in delaying Priya's execution."I intervened as a human being. In our dealings with society, we do not consider religion or caste," Musliyar told the media, adding about his outreach to Yemeni Islamic scholars to explore legal possibilities under Sharia law. He noted that the scholars assured cooperation, and an official court notification, which Musliyar's office watermarked and circulated, confirmed the postponement.advertisementMusliyar's network included ties with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and other top Middle Eastern leaders.CPI(M) PRAISED MUSLIYAR, HIGHLIGHTED 'TRUE KERALA STORY'Back in Kerala, the postponement sparked a debate over who should claim credit, and who should not.The CPM, which is aligned with the Musliyar-led AP group, one of the half-dozen Muslim community-based groups in Kerala, was quick to crown him the "favourite Musliyar" for delaying the execution.CPM State Secretary MV Govindan praised him, saying, "No amount of appreciation is enough for what Kanthapuram Musliyar has done. He has truly become everyone's favourite Musliyar".Govindan highlighted Musliyar's humanitarian efforts and Kerala's secular values. He, for obvious reasons, also noted the CPM state government's proactive role, including memoranda sent to the Prime Minister and Union Foreign Minister.However, posts on X reveal a polarised narrative. One user criticised the Kerala media for overemphasising Musliyar's role, arguing it overshadowed India's diplomatic efforts."Kerala media is bending over backwards to praise religious leader Kanthapuram as if a religious figure holds more sway than an entire nation's diplomacy. What nonsense," wrote a person.Meanwhile, the MEA said it had no information to share about "Musliyar's role".advertisementOn being asked about the Musliyar's role in negotiations, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said, "As for the role of the entity you have mentioned, I have no information to share on this account"."This is a sensitive matter, and the Government of India has been offering all possible help," Jaiswal said, adding that legal aid was provided, a lawyer appointed, and regular consular visits arranged for Priya. We're in touch with local authorities and the family to resolve the issue. Efforts were made recently to get more time for Nimisha Priya's family to reach a settlement. Her execution, scheduled for July 16, has been postponed. We're following the matter closely and also speaking with friendly governments," he added.NO RELIGIOUS LEADER INVOLVED: NIMISHA PRIYA ACTION COUNCILSamuel Jerome, who led the Nimisha Priya Action Council advocating for years for the nurse's release and respite, said that no religious leader was involved in the postponement of Nimisha Priya's death sentence. He clarified that all discussions were held at the government level. Jerome had been working closely with Priya's family back in India for years now.He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of External Affairs, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Indian Embassy officials, MLA Chandy Oommen, and Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar for their efforts in postponing Nimisha Priya's execution.advertisementThe Nimisha Priya Action Council further clarified that the central government acted through the Saudi Embassy. Samuel also said that Sheikh Abdul Malik Mehaya from Saudi Arabia played a key role in engaging with the Yemeni government.'CRORES FOR RAHIM, NOT A RUPEE FOR PRIYA,' SAID CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION IN 2024The Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action (Casa), which shares a cordial relationship with the BJP, previously supportive of Priya's plea, faced backlash for reversing its stance after reports of Musliyar's intervention came in.Initially, Casa's Malappuram unit had criticised the lack of support for Priya compared to another case. "There are people ready to spend crores on Rahim, but no one seems willing to raise even a rupee for Nimisha Priya," it said in 2024.Now Casa President Kevin Peters has questioned government intervention with convicted citizens abroad, asking, "What message does a country like Bharat send when it intervenes to help people convicted of crimes overseas?"The change of stance of the Casa was spotted by people, from strong support for Nimisha Priya, a fellow Christian, to sudden silence after reports of Musliyar's intervention, with some raising questions about CASA's alignment and selective advocacy.Despite the politics over credit and the postponement of the hanging, Priya's fate still hangs in the balance, with no final decision yet on her execution. But the politics of credit-taking has peaked in Kerala.- Ends(with inputs from Ajmal Abbas)Tune InMust Watch
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MACT orders 1.8 cr payout to accident victims' kin
MACT orders 1.8 cr payout to accident victims' kin

Time of India

time34 minutes ago

  • Time of India

MACT orders 1.8 cr payout to accident victims' kin

Mumbai: A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has ordered a payout of over Rs 1.4 crore to the family of Mulund-based marketing manager Mehul Thakkar, who died in a car crash in June 2019. The family of another deceased victim, Harshida Davda, will receive around Rs 38 lakh, and Davda's husband, Bharat Davda, was also awarded compensation of around Rs 4.5 lakh for the injuries suffered in the same accident. MACT ruled that Bhauben Thakkar, owner of the vehicle involved, and her insurance company, Reliance General Ins Co Ltd, must jointly pay the compensation. Mehul's wife, who was in the car too, deposed before the tribunal. A criminal case was also registered against the driver for causing death by negligence. The company initially disputed the claim, arguing that the accident didn't happen as described, and that the driver wasn't negligent or didn't have a valid license. "The company has not challenged the chargesheet and there is no substance in the contention raised by the company proving that the driver of the offending vehicle was rash driving at a high speed and was solely responsible for the accident." the tribunal said. Considering the victims' age at the time of death, MACT included their potential future earnings and the family's financial losses due to untimely death for compensation. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai

Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement
Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Jharkhand renames Atal Mohalla Clinic after Mother Teresa, BJP calls move political appeasement

Ranchi, July 24 (IANS) The Jharkhand government has decided to rename all Atal Mohalla Clinics operating in the state as Mother Teresa Advanced Health Clinics. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday. The Jharkhand cabinet's decision to rename the Atal Mohalla Clinic as the Mother Teresa Advance Health Clinic has ignited a political controversy. The BJP criticizes the move as an insult to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and accuses the ruling JMM-led alliance of trying to appease Christian voters. JMM defends the renaming, emphasizing Mother Teresa's dedication to serving the poor. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Jharkhand cabinet on Thursday approved the renaming of the Atal Mohalla Clinic as the Mother Teresa Advance Health mohalla clinic was originally launched on August 16, 2019, by the then NDA government on the death anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari move has sparked a political slugfest between the ruling JMM-led alliance and the opposition BJP."Atal ji's unwavering resolve secured the rights of Jharkhand's people and gave tribal pride a distinct identity. But the Hemant government, stooping to the lowest level of politics, has ignored his contribution. Can it clarify how this decision will improve healthcare?" Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi told added, "If the government truly wanted to honour Mother Teresa, it could have launched a new scheme in her name to serve patients, which was her life's mission. Instead, it has chosen to serve its political interests."The BJP alleged the move was aimed at wooing the state's Christian voters, seen as supporters of the JMM-led the charge, JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya said, "Mother Teresa is an angelic figure for the poor. Naming a health clinic for the poor in her honour is most appropriate."

Ahmedabad minor girl jumps from fourth floor of school building, dies during treatment
Ahmedabad minor girl jumps from fourth floor of school building, dies during treatment

Hindustan Times

timean hour ago

  • Hindustan Times

Ahmedabad minor girl jumps from fourth floor of school building, dies during treatment

A 15-year-old girl died by suicide after jumping from the fourth floor of her school building in Ahmedabad on Thursday. During the initial investigations, police found that the girl was irregular in attending her classes and had been absent recently.(Pixaby/Representational Image) The Class 10 student was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital and died while undergoing treatment, police said. The incident occurred during the school's recess when the girl climbed the railing in the school lobby and jumped before anyone could intervene. Police are yet to investigate the reason behind the suicide. HM Kansagra, ACP B Division of the Ahmedabad Police, said a case of an accidental death has been registered under section 194 and an investigation is underway. He said that the police is examining the CCTV footage and also talking to the victim's friends and class teacher to acertain the cause behind suicide. 'During the break, she was walking in the lobby of the fourth floor, where her class was, and suddenly jumped from there. Due to this, she was admitted to a private hospital in a critical state... She was declared dead during treatment. Accidental death has been registered under section 194,' HM Kansagra told news agency ANI. 'An investigation is underway to find out who her friends are, and her class teacher, CCTV footage is being examined... The statement of the deceased's father has been taken, on which an accidental death case has been registered,' he added. Meanwhile, family members of the girl are still in shock after her sudden death, and the statement of her father has been recorded, and questioning of friends and teachers is ongoing. The students who witnessed the incident are also being questioned. During the initial investigations, police found that the girl was irregular in attending her classes and had been absent recently. However, the police are yet to ascertain the cause of the incident. According to a report by The Times of India, citing the managing trustee of the school, the girl had been a student at the school for the past five years. After the incident, she suffered head injuries and had a severe concussion due to the fall, the report stated. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced online, showing the girl walking alone in the lobby with other students walking past her. She can then be seen climbing the railing before jumping from the fourth floor. Chaos engulfs the hallway as students and teachers are seen visibly shocked. Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store