Jifri Thangal distances himself from Umar Faizy’s remarks on women candidates

Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama State president Syed Mohammed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal has spoken out against dragging the Sunni scholars’ forum into political controversies by issuing “inappropriate statements”.

His comments came against the backdrop of senior Samastha leader Umar Faizy Mukkom’s remark that the Indian Union Muslim League should not have fielded women candidates in general seats in the Assembly polls. Fathima Thahiliya, a Muslim Youth League leader, is contesting from Perambra in Kozhikode, and Jayanthi Rajan, a national functionary of the IUML, has been fielded from Koothuparamba in Kannur.

A release quoting Mr. Thangal said here on Sunday that people in “responsible positions” who make such statements should refrain from doing it. The decision to field candidates in elections should be left to the leadership of political parties. They should think about its advantages and disadvantages. On such issues, the perspectives of religion and political parties could be different. Mr. Thangal also said it was necessary to keep off from personal vilification and hate campaigns.

Mr. Faizy had also said that the IUML used to follow the Samastha’s advice on such issues earlier. According to Mr. Faizy, the current stance of the party was not in conformity with the Samastha’s principles.