BJP seeks NIA probe in Kerala love jihad cases
NEWDELHI: The BJP on Wednesday questioned the role of Islamic outfit Popular Front of India behind ‘radicalisation’ of Hindu and Christian youth in Kerala and instances of love jihad, saying it posed a threat to national security in a ‘menacing dimension’.
The party also lashed out at the CPI(M)-led government in Kerala for ‘bartering’ national security for vote bank politics by not acting against outfits involved in radicalisation. The ruling party asked for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in a sting operation by a private TV news channel, which showed PFI members admitting on tape that they had converted 5,000 men and women to Islam so far.
“Of late, the issue of terrorism and security has acquired menacing dimensions in the state of Kerala,” law minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, referring to cases of love jihad in the southern state.
“Lots of reports have come, voicing concerns as well, but what is distressing is that such a serious issue of national security, radicalisation and terrorism is also being sacrificed at the altar of pure vote bank politics,” he said.
The Supreme Court had recently handed over a case to the NIA to probe the love jihad angle, following a case related to the marriage of homeopathic doctor Hadiya, born Akhila Ashokan, to Shafin Jahan, which was challenged by her father. The Kerala HC had quashed the marriage and given Hadiya’s custody to her
parents. Calling the entire matter “humbug”, Prasad said it was surprising that the Kerala government intervened in it. “Today, terrorist groups like these, who are funded from abroad, are working towards creating an Islamic state in India, for which they are radicalising our sons and daughters. This is a serious issue for the country’s security,” Prasad said. “The BJP’s position is clear that anyone is permitted to follow any faith, voluntarily, which the Constitution permits. But, inducement, intimidation, allurement by money is patently illegal,” Prasad said.