Munambam: Sadiq Ali Thangal meets Bishop

MALAPPURAM: Muslim League state president Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal on Sunday met with Thalassery Archdiocese Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany in the backdrop of the delay in resolving the Munambam issue. The meeting, which took place at the Bishop's House in Thalassery at 9:15 AM yesterday, lasted for about an hour. Following this, they shared a Christmas cake and sweets. Sadiq Ali Thangal left the Bishop's House after having breakfast with Mar Joseph Pamplany.

Although both parties described the meeting as a friendly visit, issues such as Munambam, the Kerala Forest Act notification, and others were discussed. The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing perceptions of division between the Muslim and Christian communities. The visit is also seen as part of an effort to bring the Christian community closer to the UDF, especially with local elections approaching. Shafi Parambil MP was also present with Sadiq Ali Thangal. On Christmas Day, Sadiq Ali Thangal had visited Bishop Dr Varghese Chakkalakkal of the Kozhikode Diocese.

Speaking to the media, Sadiq Ali Thangal stated that the meeting was relevant to the current situation, emphasizing the need for such discussions.

"There should be no conflict between communities in the name of Munambam. A humane approach is required towards the people residing there, and the government should put an end to its slow-moving policy. The concerns of the people there must be addressed first," he said.

Bishop Mar Joseph Pamplany said the goal of the meeting was to understand each other on various issues. He clarified that there were no political motives or other objectives behind the meeting.

"Understanding each other and standing together in every area where cooperation is possible is necessary for the future of Kerala society. There are many issues harming farmers and the focus should be on addressing such fundamental issues," he said.