Rift erupts in Kerala’s IUML over PFI ban
KOZHIKODE: Kerala unit of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest partner of the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), has landed in trouble following rit in leadership over the nationwide ban imposed on Popular Front of India (PFI) and allied oufits under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
While senior leader MK Muneer, MLA, hailed the ban, IUML state general secretary PMA Salam contradicted and said that his party did not welcome “the one-sided ban.” “Muslim League is a party that had openly stated its stand on banning PFI and its ideology from the beginning. We are saying it was not right to ban this organisation alone. They are accused of spreading hatred, terrorism, and other harmful activities. But other organisations in the country are worse. We don’t believe a ban is a right thing,” Salam told media persons ater working commitee meeting of the party here.
Salam said that Union government’s action against PFI was arbitrary. “In the notification issued by the central government, it mentioned that PFI is associated with two political killings in the state. Aren’t there oufits like RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) in the country that engage in political murders? Therefore, it is not justifiable from part of the union government to arbitrarily take action against PFI while not moving against others,” he said at the press conference.
Salam brushed aside conflict in the party over the issue and said that Muneer who had proclaimed that it was essential to “rein in such organisations” had a change of mind and “rectified the mistake and changed his stance.”
Reacting to Salam’s comments late on Friday, Muneer stood his guns and dismissed “change of mind” remarks.
“A journalist asked me whether I changed the statement I made earlier on the day. I told him, I have a single father. I don’t have one opinion in the morning and another in the evening. Don’t count the Muslim League among those who change their views throughout the day,” he said, while addressing the CH Mohammed Koya (Dr Muneer’s father) commemorative ceremony held on Friday evening, with Salam on the dais. However, Salam did not refer to the controversy in his speech later.
IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikuty had said his party had fully opposed PFI activities, but Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and central government the should rein in RSS and related organisations.
He said discussions were needed on whether banning an oufit will provide a solution. Outspoken IUML leader and party state secretary KM Shaji has urged his party to use the ban on PFI as an opportunity by giving shelter to its cadre.