By Najiya O., TwoCircles.net,
Kochi: The peace icon of Kerala politics became a part of history when his body was placed in the grave yesterday afternoon in Malappuram. The life stood silent for a day in the city on the death of Muslim League leader.
Panakkad Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal, the unquestioned leader of the Kerala Muslim League, was buried at around 3 pm in the Panakkad Juma Masjid qabaristhan. Shihab Thangal found place near the grave of his father PMSA Pookoya Thangal, wife Shareefa Beevi and brother Umarali Shihab Thangal. The final rites were led by his brothers Hyderali Shihab Thangal and Sadiqali Shihab Thangal, sons Basheerali and Munawerali and leaders of the Muslim League. The burial was accorded complete official honour.
All roads led to Malappuram yesterday. Thousands thronged to see the leader of the community for the last time. But many had to return disappointed as they couldn’t have the last glimpse because of the uncontrollable crowd. Many could not control their tears at the sight of the leader lying motionless. Minister of State for Railways and Muslim League national president E Ahmed, MP, broke down when he reached near the body.
The body of Shihab Thangal was cleaned and kept for the public to see in the Malappuram Town Hall at 7 am yesterday. But the area had been crowded hours before the body was brought. The police and party leaders struggled to control the crowd. They stood helpless as people rushed in when the body was brought.
Thangal’s sons Basheerali and Munawerali, brothers Hyderali and Sadiqali, and party general secretary PK Kunhalikkutty accompanied the body in the ambulance. Hyderali Shihab Thangal led the first janaza namaz at 7.30 am in the Town Hall premises. Then 12 janaza namazs were held with thousands of people. Abdunnasir Ma’dani, PDP chairman, and several others held special prayers.
The police tried to control the crowd by implementing traffic restrictions from 5 am itself. They had to close the gate of the Town Hall several times. But all efforts proved futile when crowd rushed in. At last, Party leaders like PK Kunhalikkutty, Abdussamad Samadani and Abdurahman Randathani had to go to the people to keep things under control.
Even though people were asked not to accompany the janaza to Panakkad, people went when they saw their leader’s body being taken. The body was taken to Panakkad masjid in ambulance and people followed on foot, chanting prayers for the leader.