AP, EK groups unite under BJP leader; resolve to stop mudslinging

Mangalore, June 25: With the intervention of a Bharatiya Janata Party leader, the two quarrelling factions of a group of Muslims, who identify themselves as 'Sunnis' have decided to forget their decades-old rivalry and unite.

After AP Aboobakar, popularly known as AP Usthad, was ousted from a 'Sunni' group led by EK Aboobakar several years ago for his alleged misdeeds, the entire organisation had split into two factions. The rivalry, which erupted in neighbouring Kerala between 'AP group' and 'EK group' had extended to undivided Dakshina Kannada too.

Senior BJP leader and Chairman of State Minority Commission Anwar Manippady on Saturday officially declared in a press meet at Circuit house in the presence of Mangalore Qazi Thwaqa Ahmed Musliyar, Udupi Qazi Bekal Ibrahim Musliyar and Athradi Qazi Aboobaker Musliyar, that the rivalry between two factions will be subsided soon as a new forum called 'Sunni Muslim Jamath Okkoota', comprising mullahs of both groups, has come into existence under his leadership in the region.

Mr Manippady said that he has succeeded in the process of compromise between the leaders of both 'AP' and 'EK' groups through negotiations.

He said that main intention behind the formation of new Okkoota was regrouping the activists of both groups under a single banner.

He said that due to misconceptions and misunderstandings both groups had indulged in mudslinging at each other despite the 'religious stance' of the both groups was the same.

He said his 'historical effort' is a milestone in the history of both the groups and the other members have unanimously selected him as President of Okkoota.

He also said that he would strive to bring other Islamic organisations such as Jama'th-e-Islami Hind and Ahl-e-Hadees under one banner.

The directors of the Okkoota are Ullal Assistant Qazi Koora Fazal Koyamma Thangal, Mangalore Qazi Thwaqa Ahmed Musliyar, Udupi Qazi Bekal Ibrahim Musliyar and Athradi Qazi Aboobaker Musliyar.

He said 17 members each from the both groups have been appointed for the executive committee of the Okkootta. They are HI Aboosufiyan Madani, SP Hamza Saqafi, MSM Abdul Rasheed Zaini, NKM Shafi Sa'adi, NM Abdul Rahamad Madani, TM Muhyuddin Kamil Saqafi, Majur Aboobaker Sa'adi, BM Mumthaz Ali, Hyder Parthippady, Ahammad Shakir Haji, UK Hamza Sagar, Meeran Saab Kadaba, Abdul Hameed Bajpe, Hameed Kandak, Ashraf Ullal, UA Khader Haji Ujirebettu, Haji Ibrahim Kodijal, K Mammunchi Sona, Hasan Haji Puttur, Muhammad Haneef, Ashraf (former Mayor), TM Sayeed Sullia, Musthaf Uppinangady, I Moidinabba, Vahid Faizi, KL Abdul Khader Darimi, Umar Darimi, Abdul Latheef Darimi, Rafeeq Kodaje, Isak Thodar, Riyazuddin Bunder, Saleem Handel and MP Moideen.

Resolutions:

1. Both parties should not indulge in mudslinging or criticizing at each other in any conference or convention.

2. The Qazis should advise their followers and the preachers from out of states not to sow the seeds of discord among the groups through hate speeches. This should be followed strictly.

3. Solving the conflicts of mosques managed by Sunni groups in twin districts.

4. The current syllabus of Madrasa education be continued as it was before.

5. All the recognised Madrasas should display the name board of their respective groups which they belong to avoid confusions.

6. Taking extra care to avoid groupism in the management committees of the mosques.

Ban KFD

When asked about his opinion on banning Karnataka Forum for Dignity, Mr Manippady said that he would oppose all the organisations which are against the country and community. He would support state government on banning KFD, he said.

Hyder Parthippady, Ibrahim Kodijal, Ashraf and others were also present at the press meet.