Latest news with #TPAbdullaKoyaMadani
New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Zumba row: Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen strikes a different note
KOZHIKODE: Differences of opinion have emerged within Muslim organisations over the ongoing controversy surrounding zumba sessions in schools, with Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani striking a different note. In a veiled reference to the remarks by some leaders of feeder organisations of the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama and Wisdom Islamic Organisation (WIO), Madani said religious scholars should have shown more maturity before making public statements. He said the scholars should refrain from making statements that create divisions in society. 'Those who spark communalism should understand they won't be able to contain it. Instead of resolving real issues plaguing Kerala's public and higher education sectors, they are indulging in controversies that distract (people) from basic concerns,' Madani said after inaugurating the KNM state workers' convention in Kozhikode on Sunday. He said: 'There should be no attempts to create sectarian divide among children in public schools under the pretext of the zumba controversy. Religious leaders must show greater maturity and avoid the approach that sow divisions in society.' WIO general secretary T K Ashraf ignited the controversy by opposing the introduction of zumba in schools.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Muslim organisations soften stance on Zumba row, differences of opinion emerge
Kozhikode: Some Muslim organizations which had stringently opposed the introduction of Zumba in schools appear to be softening their stance now even as differences of opinion have emerged among other Muslim bodies over the matter. Kerala Naduvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani said on Sunday the controversy was unnecessary and suggested that it was created by those who heard Zumba for the first time now. Madani said KNM did not support stoking controversy over the issue, especially at the very start of the academic year, in a way that risked communal overtones. "At the organisational level, we are sad over the moves which have taken place at the commencement of the academic year itself, making people think about it in a communal manner," he said, adding that the state govt was the one which was open to examining the matter and holding discussions if there was anything in Zumba which should be opposed. Asked whether KNM opposed introduction of Zumba in schools, Madani said KNM did not have a stand of completely opposing any new reform. "It can be examined if there is anything in it which should be opposed. Creative suggestions can be put before the govt," he said. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said no religious organization was against organizing physical activity in schools. "The organizations had only sought clarity on some doubts and concerns over the matter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Reimagining Modern Workspaces Starts With Smarter Monitors CRN UK Learn More Undo The govt has now clarified that Zumba is not compulsory and is optional. I spoke to the education minister and he said that steps would be taken to clear the doubts," Kunhalikutty said. He said instead of providing clarifications on the points raised, it is improper to brand the organizations as extremists. EK Sunni leader Nasser Faizi Koodathayi said there was no need for opposition if there is an option to engage in exercises without mixed-gender format and by upholding one's own culture. "Our issue is when it is forcefully imposed," said Koodathayi.
