Kerala govt must act on Natesan’s ‘communal’ remarks, says Kerala Muslim Jamaath

Kozhikode: The AP Sunni faction aligned Kerala Muslim Jamaath has demanded that the govt treat SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan's alleged communal and inflammatory statements as a law-and-order issue and take actions accordingly. Kerala Muslim Jamaath general secretary Sayyid Ibrahimul Khaleelul Bukhari said the govt should also correct its current approach toward Natesan on this matter. He was speaking at a news conference held as part of the Kerala Yatra led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar. The remarks assume significance as AP Sunni section had traditionally taken positions aligning with CPM. "No one should be allowed to destroy Kerala's religious harmony, unity and social cohesion. Society has already decided that it does not want communalism or divisiveness. Nobody accepts Natesan's remarks. Now the govt must act; that is its responsibility," he said. Bukhari added that he hopes Sunni unity will become a reality soon. "The wounds have healed. Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar has opened the doors to unity. As we understand it, there are no political obstacles to Sunni unity. We do not believe IUML is an obstacle," he said in response to questions from reporters.