Kochi and Mananthavady:
The coastal city of Kochi known as the queen of the Arabian Sea and the hill top town of Mananthwady in Wynad district hosted the Freedom Parade In Kerala under the banner of Popular Front of India. National Development Front (NDF) which is the state affiliate of Popular Front has been organizing Freedom Parade in different towns in the state every year on the Independence Day since the year 2004.
The General Secretary of Popular Front E. M. Abdul Rahiman received the guard of honour from the cadets at the starting point of the parade near Gosree bridge. The Cadets marched three kilometers on the streets in 45 troop’s consisting of 33 persons in each troop along with orchestra bands.
The public meeting that concluded the parade was addressed by Popular Front General Secretary E. M. Abdul Rahiman, National Executive Council member Moideenkutty Faizy and NDF General Secretary P. Abdul Majeed Faizy. E. M. Abdul Rahiman stated that to deny the freedom of association and right to protest is against democratic norms. It is shameful that the Muslims had to put much pressure on the government and police authorities to get permission for celebrating the independence day. He complained that a section of administration, police and media are acting as tools in the hands of fascist forces. He also asked the Central Government to withdraw from the nuclear deal which would ultimately convert India into a strategic ally of United States in their war against Muslims in the name of combating terrorism. NDF Vice President Adv. K. P. Mohammed Shareef read out the pledge which was repeated by the audience. NDF Zonal Convener Mohammed Salih proposed vote of thanks. The leaders of Kerala Women’s Front along with its hundreds of members greeted the cadets.
Popular Front Secretary Administration A. Saeed received the salute from the cadets to begin with the parade. After the marching on the roads in troops of 33 cadets each, the parade was concluded with the public meeting. A flag march with the national flag and the orchestra band which preceded the public meeting impressed the public. A. Saeed delivered the inaugural address in the meeting. He stated that the essence of independence is the right to protect the life, dignity and property of every individual. Our forefathers sacrificed their lives while cherishing this dream. He said that now the Muslims, the successors of the great warriors and martyrs are denied of these rights in the democratic system. NDF State Secretary S. Mammooty and Editor of Thejas daily Prof. P. Koya spoke. NDF President Abdurahman Baqavi led the pledge taking ceremony. The function was conluded with the national anthem.
Attempts to foil Freedom Paraded defeated
Some sections in the concerned state governments and police departments tried to play politics with the Freedom Parade by repeated attempts to create obstacles. NDF had organized Freedom Parade on all Independence Days since 2004 in different towns. Nowhere it had created any law and order problem throughout these years. But this year, the state police was raising objections presumably due the hard positions taken by certain officers owing allegiance to Sangh Parivar. The city police, a week before the parade has cancelled the already given permission. The police had put demands without any precedence such as advance submission of details of cadets including photographs. NDF leaders announced it as a discrimination against Muslims and ultimately the State Home Mininster intervened with a statement that the govt. had no plan to stop the Freedom Parade organized by Popular Front.
In Mangalore, the police under the control of the BJP govt. was reluctant to give permission till the last moment. Giving support to the bold stand taken by the KFD leaders that they will not withdraw from celebrating the Independence Day, many local organizations and leaders also put pressure on the authorities. A section of the media also tried to keep away the public from the function by spreading false news and stories such as it is cancelled and there would be communal flare up.
The attitude of the supposedly secular government under DMK im Tamilnadu towards the freedom parade by a religious minority organization was worse. The Hindutva outfits demanded a ban and afterwards they also announced a parallel programme on the same day. Taking the situation as an easy cover and leveling some baseless allegations, the City Police Commissioner rejected permission to hold the parade. Then the organizers moved to High Court and on 13-08-2008, its Madurai bench has issued a historic order asking the police not to prevent the Freedom Parade which is a patriotic programme and a right of every citizens and groups. These days also witness the unique solidarity of various Muslim organizations in Tamilnadu with noble cause upheld by MNP and Popular Front. Various organizations such as TMMK, INL and Milli Council and hundreds of Muslim Mohalla jamaats and Masjid committees issued public statements and sent letters to the government demanding to grant permission to the function. And ultimately the public gathering which witnessed the Freedom Parade in Mdurai was so huge beyond all calculations. This right to celebrate the independence day of the nation, which was won after much struggle, has tremendously increased the morale of the cadres and confidence of the Muslim society. |
