Kanthapuram calls for Samastha reunification, IUML backs move

Kanthapuram calls for the reunification of Samastha, with IUML supporting and a centenary celebration planned for 2027.

All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary and Kerala Muslim Jamaat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar has called for the reunification of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, one faction of which he has been leading since 1989.

Declaring the finale of the centenary celebrations of the Samastha in Malappuram on Saturday night, Mr. Kanthapuram said that the reunion of the Samastha factions was the need of the hour. He urged Sunni workers to pray for the unity and merger of the factions and cautioned them against any actions that might jeopardise the reconciliation efforts.

Mr. Kanthapuram announced that the finale of the Samastha centenary celebrations would be held in Malappuram from January 28 to 31, 2027. An eight-pronged action programme would precede the mega conference.

However, Mr. Kanthapuram responded to a ‘ghar vaapasi’ call made last week by rival Samastha president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, asserting that neither he nor his team had ever walked out of the Samastha.

Samastha (Kanthapuram faction) secretary Ponmala Abdul Khadir Musliar addressing the Samastha general body at Kottakkal on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

“MPs and MLAs walk out of Parliament and the Assembly in protest. That does not mean they cease to be members of those Houses. Similarly, we walked out of a Samastha meeting (in 1989) in protest against the proceedings. But we never walked out of the Samastha itself. New members have no idea on what transpired at that meeting,” he said, referring to Mr. Muthukoya Thangal.