Kerala has been a historically pluralistic and diverse society, with people of different faiths and cultures living together in harmony for centuries. However, recent events have raised concerns among some quarters about the possibility of Islamization in the state.
One of the most controversial incidents in this regard has been the proposed renaming of the historic Tali temple area in Kozhikode. The Kozhikode Corporation has decided to give Islamic names to areas around the temple, including Kandamkulam Jubilee Hall Park. The move has been criticized by devotees and residents who see it as an attempt to erode the Hindu identity of the area.
Another incident that has raised concerns is the video that allegedly glorifies “Love Jihad” in the name of Ramzan greetings. The video has been criticized for attempting to normalize the practice of Muslim men converting Hindu women through marriage, a practice that has been a contentious issue in India for several years.
While travelling from Kasaragod to Kozhikode recently, I was shocked to see that in most of the areas restaurants were closed as part of Ramadan fasting. Observance of Ramadan is having consequences for people of other faiths in the state. Many Hindu hotels and restaurants are being forced to shut down during the day in observance of Ramadan, making it difficult for non-Muslims to find food during the day.
Muzlim Man Erases Bindi and Wears Hindu Girl a Veil: Video Glorifying #LoveJihad From Kerala Sparks Outrage@RSSorg @BJP4India @BJP4Keralam @CPIMKerala @CMOKerala @riyasdyfi #Kerala #keralamodel #Ramadan #Islam #HindusUnderAttack @Sreedath @kumarnandaj @ratihegde… pic.twitter.com/ANTJHd6b6Q
— Indus Scrolls (@indusscrolls) April 22, 2023
The recent wave of incidents related to religious polarization in Kerala has left many people worried about the future of the state. Even those who are staunch supporters of the ruling parties – the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress – are beginning to realize that the situation is getting out of hand.
The growing perception is that Kerala is becoming increasingly difficult for non-Muslims to live in, and this has led to many people leaving the state, either to other parts of the country or even to other countries. The exodus of people from Kerala is a worrying sign of the deepening divide between communities, and underscores the need for urgent action to restore the state’s secular character.
These incidents have sparked a debate about the possible Islamization of Kerala, with some people alleging that there is a deliberate attempt to promote Islamic culture and practices at the expense of other faiths. Critics argue that such moves are a threat to the state’s secular fabric and could potentially create social unrest.
There are fears that if left unchecked, the state could become a hotbed of extremism, with serious implications for national security. However, it is important to note that not all Muslims in Kerala support extremist views, and that the vast majority of the state’s population is peaceful and law-abiding.
In this context, it is crucial for Hindus and Christians, who are both victims of Islamization, to come together and stand united against any attempts to undermine the secular character of the state. Only by working together can we prevent the kind of extremist agenda that threatens to destabilize Kerala and the country as a whole.
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