Kozhikode: Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has praised the Thangal family of Panakkad, saying its contribution to upholding secularism remains unparalleled.
Speaking at an event organised here on Thursday in memory of late Panakkad Syed Umerali Shihab Thangal, he noted that the Thangal family had always stood for the rights of all religious communities. “After the demolition of the Babri Masjid, the late Panakkad Syed Mohammadali Shihab Thangal played a pivotal role in preventing an outbreak of communal violence in the State. That shows how the values espoused by the family were held in high esteem by Kerala society,” Mr. Chennithala said.
The Congress leader alleged that ever since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power at the Centre, there had been deliberate attacks on minorities in the country. “Efforts are on to break the secular fabric of our country. Those who are supposed to uphold the constitutional values of secularism themselves are trying to weaken its base. The ruling establishment is promoting communalism,” Mr. Chennithala said. He added that any attempt to snatch the rights of communities should be opposed.
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P.K. Kunhalikkutty and M.K. Muneer, MLAs, and leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League were present.