By Shafeeq Hudawi, TwoCircles.net
Two weeks ago, we had analysed why Subramanian Swamy’s ridiculous proposal of imposing AFSPA in Malappuram was so stupid, on so many levels. We had argued that it has always been a peaceful district and there have never been any incidents of communal clashes in the region. Once again, the only Muslim-majority district in South India proved the same in the way it reacted to the recent Muslim convert’s killing by showing exemplary composure.
Muslim leaders offering prayers at the burial place of Faisal at Kodinhi
After the murder of Faisal, a recent convert to Islam, the area remained tense, but there was not even a single incident of violence reported anywhere in the district after five days of the incident.
Ruling out all apprehensions of communal violence, schools at Kodinhi were functional even on the day of the murder.
“We give no room for rumours and apprehensions that could draw curfew and violence. All educational institutions were opened. Shops at some parts of Nannambra panchayat were closed showing respect to Faisal. We knew that the best way to react to communal killings is to keep calm,” E P Mujeeb, educational affairs standing committee chairman of Nannambra panchayat.
Muslims form 95% of Kodinhi’s population.
According to Mujeeb, he was killed by Hindu hardliners on the clear communal motives. “The murder might be aimed at tarnishing the communal harmony prevailing at Kodinhi and Malappuram,” he said.
Faisal’s mother Meenakshi has alleged that his son was killed by RSS activists and had received threats from the Hindu outfit.
Residents here drew accolades even from the district police and they called a meeting to praise their heroic attitude.
“People here deserve an applause as they maintained peace considering the volatile circumstances they were in. Residents here have taught others how they should react and kept away from any law and order issues,”said DySP P M Pradeep while attending the all-party meeting.
The functionaries of Kodinhi mosque and its cleric were the real heroes as they managed to call a meeting of all local residents and urged the people to remain peaceful and stay from spreading rumors as that could create misunderstanding between the communities.
A speech made by the Imam here in the mosque ahead to the last prayers for Faisal exhorted the people to lay trust in the law.
“It is true that the death of Faisal shook the collective conscience of the people here. Many were pained by the news. In a situation like this, it was easy to upset the religious harmony. But, the intervention of mosque committee, IUML and Jamat-e Islami helped us to retain peace,” said Kodinhi mosque secretary Elimbadan Hamsa.
To add to this, IUML state president Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal also exhorted Muslims to ensure the protection of their Hindu brothers.
“Some anti social elements have been trying to demolish peace in the state. Muslims are obliged to ensure that their brothers are safe. Culprits must be punished and no community should be trailed over the crimes, committed by some assailants,” a press statement, issued by Thangal on Wednesday said.
Kodinhi Jama Masjid committee has decided to build a house for Faisal’s family, which has no way to lead its life. Faisal was living in a rented house nearby with his wife Jesna and children.
Faisal, who had worked in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia had returned home on leave only four months ago. He was preparing to return to the Gulf when some unidentified assailant killed him in the wee hours on Saturday.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure protection for the family of Kodinhi’s son, who was killed only for accepting the religion of his choice,” Hamsa said.
Meanwhile, Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), the expatriate outfit of IUML, has come in aid for the family of Faisal. KMCC will distribute the family monthly pension for Failsal’s family and will support the studies of Faisal’s two children.