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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Zumba row: Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen strikes a different note
KOZHIKODE: Differences of opinion have emerged within Muslim organisations over the ongoing controversy surrounding zumba sessions in schools, with Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani striking a different note. In a veiled reference to the remarks by some leaders of feeder organisations of the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama and Wisdom Islamic Organisation (WIO), Madani said religious scholars should have shown more maturity before making public statements. He said the scholars should refrain from making statements that create divisions in society. 'Those who spark communalism should understand they won't be able to contain it. Instead of resolving real issues plaguing Kerala's public and higher education sectors, they are indulging in controversies that distract (people) from basic concerns,' Madani said after inaugurating the KNM state workers' convention in Kozhikode on Sunday. He said: 'There should be no attempts to create sectarian divide among children in public schools under the pretext of the zumba controversy. Religious leaders must show greater maturity and avoid the approach that sow divisions in society.' WIO general secretary T K Ashraf ignited the controversy by opposing the introduction of zumba in schools.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Police halt anti-drugs event, draw ire
Kozhikode: A controversy has erupted over the interruption of a student meeting organized by Wisdom Islamic Organisation (WIO), aimed at addressing various issues including substance abuse , after the police claimed the event went past the 10pm limit. The incident took place at WIO's Kerala Students' Conference held in Perinthalmanna on May general secretary TK Ashraf said that after an unexpectedly large number of students turned up for the meeting, much time was lost in making the necessary arrangements for the same which pushed the event beyond the time limit. "Since there was a strict instruction to stop by 10pm, we precisely arranged the schedule for the speeches. But the programme extended by about three minutes. By then, the police had been called. We responded respectfully, stating that the closing speech would conclude shortly. However, an officer pushed through the tightly packed crowd of female students, climbed onto the stage and began yelling at the speaker. The time then was 10.06pm and just three minutes were left for the speech to conclude. As soon as this was conveyed, we stopped the programme immediately," Ashraf said. "When law enforcers lose their discretion in handling matters, it drains the very essence of the law," Ashraf added. Ashraf said that it is extremely condemnable that events aimed at protecting the new generation from anarchy and substance abuse are met with intolerance, while programmes where often drugs are consumed go unchecked even past IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty condemned the police action and sought to know the govt and police's stance on drug abuse. "What should we understand from the high-handedness shown by the police at the recent anti-drug event held in Perinthalmanna?" he DCC president VS Joy said that the high-handedness displayed by Pinarayi Vijayan's police is something this state will not tolerate.
