IUML to initiate renovation of temple near housing project for Wayanad landslide victims

Kozhikode: At a time when controversies over places of worship are increasingly being invoked to drive divisive political agendas elsewhere, a true ‘Kerala story' is unfolding in Wayanad.Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has stepped forward to spearhead the renovation of ancient Thrikkaipatta Shiva Temple located next to the housing project set up by IUML for Wayanad landslide victims. IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal in a letter to Tharananellur Thekkiniyedathu Padmanabhan Unni Namboodirippad, who is the tanthri of hundreds of temples, sought his advice and guidance on the proposed renovation. Thangal made the request while continuing their long-standing tradition of exchanging gifts and messages during Onam and Eid-ul-Fitr. In the letter, Thangal also noted that, even before this year's Eid, IUML was able to construct and provide houses for landslide victims with the wholehearted support of people across Kerala. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said the party would extend full support to fulfil the wishes of locals regarding places of worship. "I had mentioned about it during the inauguration of the housing project itself, and we will stand by that commitment," he said. Temple secretary Mohana Chandran Unnithan said that IUML district leaders had held a meeting at Kalpetta three days ago and assured support for the renovation of the temple. "The temple which stands on 9.42 acres was visited by IUML leaders during the foundation stone ceremony of the housing project. We have always lived in harmony and we deeply appreciate this gesture," Unnithan said. Representatives of Thangal — U K Mammadisha, Kondotty municipal chairman, N C Aboobacker and Naseem Pulikkal — visited the tanthri and handed over Eid gifts, including new clothes and greetings, symbolising bonds of friendship. Thangal in the letter emphasized that true harmony blossoms when people celebrate festivals together, beyond the barriers of religion and caste. The tanthri said that such gestures rooted in human compassion and friendship set a powerful example for society. IUML had given priority to 14 Hindu families in the first phase of the rehabilitation project as they were allotted houses without draw of lots.