IUML leader's 'msg' sparks controversy

KANNUR: A controversy arose after the voice clip of local IUML leader in Kannur discouraged Muslim Women's League workers from taking part in the road show and victory rally of Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil. The directive was allegedly issued by IUML Koothuparamba mandalam general secretary Shahul Hameed in a WhatsApp group of party members even as the party gave a reception to Parambil at Panoor on Friday.
In the voice clip that went viral on social media, Hameed told members of Muslim Women's League not to go overboard with their enthusiasm during celebrations. "Our party is organizing a reception for Shafi Parambil at Panoor on Friday evening. Women cadres shouldn't attend the roadshow or victory rally. But they are allowed to extend their greetings to the new MP. For this, the party will make separate arrangements," he is heard saying in the voice clip.
IUML members have to protect the identity of Islam. While attending party programmes, we should follow religious principles. IUML does not allow activities that hurt the principles of Islam. Members should always keep it in mind while engaging in party work. Women members should be disciplined, he said.
Hameed also made it clear that he came up with such a message in the backdrop of women party members dancing with glee during the victory procession taken out on the road on result declaration day after Parambil won in Vadakara with a margin of over one lakh votes.
Responding to the controversy over the local leader's voice clip, IUML Kannur district president Abdul Kareem Cheleri said that his party does not ban women members from participating in a public event. "IUML wants to give a message to women members to be vigilant while attending political activities. The voice clip was meant to signify this idea," he added