Namaz controversy in Muvattupuzha Nirmala college; Jamaat officials express regret

MUVATTUPUZHA: A joint delegation from the Muslim worship places in the area visited the college authorities and expressed their regret over the incident in which the principal was detained by the students demanding to allow a room for Muslim girls in Nirmala College to perform Namaz. The SFI state leadership had rejected the strike led by organizations including SFI last Friday.

Central Mahal Chief Imam Shihabuddin Faizi, Petta Muhyuddin Juma Masjid Imam Kanjar Nisar Maulavi, Jamaat presidents PM Abdul Salam, KM Zeitu Muhammad Rawathar and PSA Latif were in the group.

They said that the protest was due to a lack of knowledge and that the stubbornness of the students was unacceptable as a mosque where women could also offer namaz was present nearby. "If there are flaws, they will be resolved. Nothing will be allowed to harm the religious-communal harmony in Muvattupuzha," they said.

The meeting was with Principal Fr Francis Kannadan, Principal Dr KV Thomas (Self Financing Division), Fr Vincent Nedungattu, Fr Antony Puthenkulam, Manager of Educational Institutions of Kothamangalam Diocese Dr Pius Malekandathil and others.

The Catholic Church authorities reiterated that they will not allow a namaz place in the college under the diocese of Kothamangalam, which has a tradition of 71 years and has more than 3,000 students. Principal Fr Francis Kannadan thanked the public for their support.

Unrealistic protest: Youth League

Muslim Youth League district secretary Hashim P Muhammad said in a press conference that the protest was done after forgetting the sense of reality. He said that there should be no protest that causes division in the general society.

BDJS BJP support

BJP state president K Surendran extended his support to Principal Dr Francis Kannada. Surendran said that protection will be offered if there is any threat to the institution. BDJS State Secretary Shine K Krishnan also announced that they will support the management. Catholic Congress, CASA, Yuvadeepti and KCYM organizations also came with support.