Kanthapuram’s vital intervention in Nimisha Priya’s case where even central government failed

KOZHIKODE: The postponement of the execution of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya, jailed in Yemen, is one that brings relief to the entire country. The Yemeni government ordered the postponement of the execution after the intervention of the Sheikh of Wasabi. The discussion led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar to cancel Nimisha Priya's execution finally bore fruit. With this, the Attorney General issued an order to postpone the execution.

Private intervention was crucial in a place where India had little possibility of diplomatic intervention. The main reason is that Nimisha Priya is in a prison in Sana'a, an area where diplomatic intervention is limited for India. This area is under the control of the Houthis. Therefore, Attorney General R Venkataramani had also informed the court the other day that the central government has limits on its intervention in the matter. The reason for this is the complex situation in Yemen.

Yemen is not like other places in the world. The Center had also informed that it is better to try for private intervention without going public and complicating the situation. This is the reason why Kanthapuram intervened in the case. The discussions held by Yemeni Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz on the instructions of Kanthapuram turned crucial in the case.

Representatives of Umar bin Hafiz are holding meetings with the concerned including the family of the victim Talal. Talal's family, who were not willing for any discussions until now, agreeing to hold discussions with representatives of Umar bin Hafiz shows a positive possibility in the case. It was not possible to establish contact with the family of the dead due to the emotional nature of the Dhamar area. It was through Kanthapuram's intervention that communication with the family was first possible.

Following the crucial intervention, various political leaders and public representatives came forward praising Kanthapuram. Opposition leader V D Satheesan in a Facebook post said Kerala wants the release of Nimisha Priya and hopes Kanthapuram's intervention in the matter will bear fruit.