History
Protest Against To Cococola Company At Plachimada
People of Plachimada village staged a 500 days protest against CocaCola plant. Though the protest draw the attention of national and international media, the event did not get due attention in Palakkad district. Prominent youth organizations ignored or did not gave attention to the protest. It was in this scenario, Solidarity intervened in the issue and launched a massive campaign seeking support for the protest.Solidarity launched the struggle by holding a collectorate march on 6th August of 2oo2. in which 500 volunteers of Solidarity lined up. A memorandum was presented to the collector demanding his intervention to close the plant immediately.
As part of observing Plachimada Solidarity Day on 2002 August 16, rally and public meetings were held in 40 centres of the district. The programmes could take the plights of Adivasi lives into the commonsense of the mainstream society. A table talk was conducted on 6 September 2002 about the issue. Prominent social activists, environmentalists and advocates participated in the programme. CR Neelakandan, Vilayodi Venugopal, Kootill Mohammed Ali, Adv. AR Krishnan and others were among the 30 people spoke in the programme. The talk stirred up many suggestions regarding the issue. A bahujan convention held on 25 September 2002, was noted programme. Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangam president Iyyankode Sridharan inaugurated the programme. O. Abdurahman, CR Neelakandan, Vilayodi Venugopal, Mailamma and others addressed the convention.
The first conference of the new-born organization was announced at Ernakulam Town Hall on 1st February 2005. Preceding the announcement, A debate titled ‘Kerala Development: dissenters Debate’ was held and turned out to be a gettogether of different people hailing from various organisations and political parties. Leaders of 32 protest organisations took part in the programme. Plachimada Samara Samiti, Endosulphan Samara Samiti, Gro Vasu-legend of Mavoor Gwalior Rayons struggle, Gandhian Ajith Venniyur, DYFI leader Sriramakrishnan, AISF leader Mahesh Kamath, Youth Congress leader A. Gopakumar and others took part.
Alapuzha anti-black soil mining samara samiti, madhyanirodha samiti, madhya virudha janakiya munnani, Periyar Samrakshana Samiti, Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, Sasthamkota Thadaka Samrakshana Samiti, Latin Catholic Movement, Velliyathi Kayal Samrakshana Samiti, Kerala SastraSahitya parishath, Kerala Khadi Bhavan, Joint Action Council, Malabar Train Passengers Association, Porattam and others took part.
Social activist Medha Patkar inaugurated the conference. The campaign conference held on the same day evening was inaugurated by Jamaate Islami Central Board member SQR Illyas. Prof. Siddhiq Hassan Saheb delivered the keynote address. Thematic debates and discussions under different titles were held in various centres. A seminar on problems related to agriculture held at Kozhikode was inaugurated by Ahammed Bavappa. Koottil Mohammed Ali presided over the meeting. Fanmeys Relief Forum president AC Varkey, INFAM leader M. Surendran Master, Mohammed Kabeer, T. Arifali and others talked. Seminar held on Gulf Money and Kerala Development at Kottakal of Malappuram district was inaugurated by ET Mohammed Basheer. Dr. P. Ibrahim, Sheikh Mohammed Karakunnu, Prof. AP Abdul Wahab and others talked. ‘Setbacks of Development’ seminar held at Kannur was inaugurated by TK Abdullah, veteran leader of Jamaate Islami Hind. Solidarity state committee member TP Mohammed Shameem presented the paper on the theme. Writer KP Ramanunni, Sastra Sahitya Parishat leader TK Devarajan, PV Sudheerkumar and others took part.
Kerala Development and Financial Self-reliance, seminar held at Kollam was inaugurated by NK Premachandran MP. Prof. PA Vasudhevan talked. Seminars with titles ‘Development and Media’ held at Thiruvananthapuram, ‘End the exploitation of hospitals’ at Perinthalmanna, Narendran Commission report and Political Parties at Manjeri draw wide attention. Human Rights Conference held at Kayamkulam demanding the release of Abdul Nazer Maudany was inaugurated by prominent lawyer Adv. Ramkumar. The coastal conference held at Valiyathura of Thiruvananthapuram was inaugurated by former chief minister AK Antony. Fr. Thomas Kechery, Vicar Fr. James Kulas, T. Peter, Tony Olivar, John JP, Pulluvila Stanley and others took part. Plachimada March held on 1st April 2005 was distinguished by its style. With ‘a pot water and a fistful rice’, people in support of the Plachimada agitators marched along with Solidarity leaders. A solidarity conference was held in front of the Cocacola plant. A message of veteran jurist VR Krishna Iyer was read out in the conference. Prominent people took part.
State conference was held on 23, 24 April 2005 at Palakkad. The conference was followed with a public conference which was preceded by a massive demonstration. As a present of the conference, it was declared that Solidarity will build 400 homes for the roofless people. It was during monopolization of retail markets were emerging a great pace, Solidarity Youth Movement stood up against the retail monopolies. The declaration conference was inaugurated by Vyapari Vyavasai Ekopana Samithi president T. Nasiruddin. The youth movement foresaw that entrance of retail markets in the state will create imbalances in economical, labour and cultural sectors.
1st March 2007 was observed as Deceit Day. Solidarity staged a protest against the decision of the LDF government which is headed by Communist Party of India Marxist, to receive loan from ADB. It pronounced its stance that any agreement with imperial agencies will put the agency of civil society in stake. That eventually will lead to moral corruption in the government and will end up with dangerous situations. The secretariate march held in this regard was notable. Following that, collectorate marches were held at different district centres.
Rehabilitation of Endosulphan Victims
Solidarity was in forefront to extend its support and hands of solace to the victims of Endosulphan insecticide for whom life has become unbearable by then. There hundreds of innocent people who are born with disability. Solidarity was compelled to intervene in the issue as consecutive governments turned blind-eyes to them. Solidarity conceived a rehabilitation package for the victims. Villages of Panchayats like Kumbadaje, Enkamaje, Mooliyar, Pullur, Periya, Kayyur, Cheemeni had more number of victims. Packages were given for these people.
The comprehensive package included food, treatment, self-employment schemes, shelter, educational scholarships, and welfare pensions. Along with the services, a protest demanding the ban of Endosulfan pesticides was launched. Declaration of the same was held at Kasargode on 20 February 2010.
As part of the protest, a parliament march was organized. Prominent activist Medha Patkar inaugurated the march. The victims and their families also joined the march holding placards ‘Don’t kill us anymore’. The march held demanding compensation for the victims of pollution created by HCL company of Eloor district of Ernakulam also drew wide attention. Protests and rallies were held across the state against Endosulfan. People of Kerala supported the service schemes of Solidarity Youth Movement. Fund collection for the scheme was inaugurated by receiving donation from veteran SC Justice and human rights activist Justice VR Krishna Iyer. Spirituality Is Not Business; It’s Freedom Spirituality has evolved as a profiteering business. The spiritual leaders suppurated and has turned out to be super authorities. It was the background for the campaign. State level inauguration was done by Jamaate Islami Kerala Ameer T. Arifali. KEN, Swami Sookshmananda and others took part. Seminar titled ‘Spirituality, depoliticization, society’ was inaugurated by prominent writer C. Radhakrishnan. KC Varghese, KC Umesh Babu, AP Abdul Wahab and others talked. Public conferences and conventions were held under the title ‘Resist the ‘god-men’ with spirituality’ across the villages and towns of the state.
A book was published as part of the campaign. KT Hussain was the editor of the book. Don’t displace the people of sea The central government moved to pass a new law which would lead to the mass eviction of people and their livelihood in the coastal regions of the country. Solidarity could deter the danger hidden behind the law and came out at large to create awareness among the public about the dangers in the hindsight.
Massive campaigns ‘Don’t evict the people of sea’ held across the coastal region could lit a lamp of expectation for the marginalized people. The campaign was flagged off by VM Sudheeran at Perumathura at Thiruvananthapuram.
Solidarity to Chengara Harrison Malayalam Estate is situated at Chengara of Pathanamthitta district. Dalits and adivasis started a struggle for land on 4th August 2007. Programmes were held across the state, in support of landless people in Chengara. Trade union of the estate besieged the protestors of Chengara demanding them to withdraw the protest. A march was held to transgress the blockade created by the trade union. The march was stopped by police. The police lathied the protestors. Many protestors were injured. Due to the siege, Chengara people was deprived of means of living. Solidarity collected resources for the Chengara protestors. Many trucks loaded with resources were sent to Chengara. A Chengara Solidarity Convention was organized participating cultural leaders of the state. Dr. P. Geeta, Dalit scholar Salimkumar and others took part. A book titled, ‘Chengara Aikyadhaardya Pusthakam’ (Solidarity-book on Chengara). T. Mohammed was editor of the book.
National Highway Development Solidarity came out at large against the mass eviction of the people residing adjacent to the NH roads of Kerala in the name of widening the roads. It also condemned the move to construct the roads under BOT (Build Operate Transfer)scheme. ‘Develop National Highway; Don’t Sell away’ was the slogan of the campaign. Solidarity spearheaded many public programmes held in this regard. A discussion was held Thiruvananthapuram on Kerala Road Development Policy. KN Harilal and other experts took part. Protest declaration convention held at Kottakal of Malappuram drew wide attention. Protest marches held across the state from Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargode could create awareness among the public about the dangers inherent in the National Highway development. One-day satyagraha programme was held at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur, Malappuram districts. Justice VR Krishna Iyer took part in the programme held at Ernakulam.
New Kerala Development Forum
Solidarity since its inception has been initiating many protests and has been supporting others. It was in this scenario the movement decided to analyse closely the Kerala Development on behalf of the people. New Kerala Development Forum was a grand programme conducted on 11,12 and 13th March 2011 at Ernakulam. Justice VR Krishna Iyer was patron of the event. Sandeep Pandey, Ajit Sahe, MD Nalappattu, C. Radhakrishnan, Prof. KA Siddiq Hassan, BRP Bhaskar, O. Abdurahman, TT Sreekumar, Satchidanandan, Prof. MK Radhakrishnan, J. Devika, CR Neelakandan, KT Ram Mohan and others were in the advisory council.
Well studied papers and analysis were presented on Kerala Development: a social cultural analysis, human development, industry, agriculture, malabar, traffic, energy, ecology, health, reservation, migration, education, finance, waste-management, civil protests and Kerala Development were the topics discussed in the three day programme. Prashant Bhushan, Dr. Devindar Sharma, Clode Alvaris, Abu Salih Sharif and other internationally reputed scholars took part in the development forum. Leaders of civil movements took part in the People’s Development Conference which was the closing session of the event.
Malabar Nivarthana Prakshobham
The movement Malabar Nivarthana Prakshobham, was launched calling for the solution of retardation of Malabar districts of Kerala. Comparing to the southern region of Kerala, the northern districts stand behind in development. The movement created awareness among the public about this fact. Various protest programmes were conducted calling to end the discrimination against Malabar. The struggle was launched with a march and besiegement of Secreteriate at Thiruvananthapuram. Declaration rallies followed with public conferences were held at all district centres across the state.
Peoples tribunal on fabricated cases
Number of youth imprisoned in the name of terrorism cases are increasing in Kerala. People’s tribunal was a programme which probed into the mercilessness of the investigating agencies. The programme was held on 14,15th June 2014 at Kozhikode Tagore Hall. The programme turned out to be an unusual get-together of the families of the victims of the imprisoned youth, their advocates and human rights activists. Adv. Mahmood Pracha, Retd. Judge Justice PK Shamsuddin, prominent journalist Ajith Sahe, human rights activist and Assistant Professor at Delhi Al Jamiya Al Islamiya Manisha Sethi, PUCL leader and high court senior lawyer P. Chandrasekaran, human rights activists Adv. Madhusoodanan, PUCL state president PA Pouran, prominent film maker KP Sasi, journalist KP Sethunath, C. Davood and others were the peoples tribunal members. Families of the victims shared their experiences and course of the case. The inquiries of the tribunal helped to give clarity on the cases for the audience. The tribunal also gave expert opinions for the lawyers of each cases. As part of the programme, a commemoration of prominent human right activist late Adv. Mukul Sinha was held. KSU Gail was commemorated under the title ‘other side of terrorism’. Fr. Cidric Prakash inaugurated the closing session of the programme. Prominent film maker Gopal Menon, Adv. Shanavas, Adv. Balan, Welfare party state general secretary Thennilapuram Radhakrishnan and others took part.
Protest Football
Protest football was a programme held as a protest against the move to stop Santhosh Trophy football. People in hundreds flocked into Theratammal panchayat ground of Areacode. Former captain KS Mani inaugurated the programme. Former captain Asif Saheer, TKS Mani, FIFA official referee Hakim Malappuram, Olympian KT Irfan and others took part. Save Western Ghats satyagraha A satyagraha was conducted at Thiruvananthapuram demanding for the implementation of Gadgil Committee report. Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh inaugurated the satyagraha.
Protest Onam
Protest onam programme was held in support of the civil movements. Programme was held at Kathikudam where local people are struggling against the pollution of NITA Gellatin company. Programme created a celebration mood among the protestors. Kinalur anti evacuation protest Solidarity lead the protests against the move to displace the people of Kinalur village of Balussery near Kozhikode in the name of widening the road. The samara-samithi was determined that they will not let the road which destroys the livelihood of many people. Police brutally attacked the people who stopped the officials came for survey of the road. Grenades were thrown at the protestors which comprised women and children. Many survived with serious injuries. Solidarity cooperated with Janakiya Library Janajagratha Samithi, Janakiya Samithi and other protest organizations. A documentary was made on the struggle.
SUNRISE
West Kochi is one of the most densely populated place in the world itself. The everyday life in the place had become unbearable for inhabitants of the place. Thousands of families are dwelling here despite the poor conditions. Solidarity pledged to lift-up these unprivileged people into mainstream life. The programme was name SUNRISE. Prominent architect G. Shankar has envisioned the projects planned for the rehabilitation of these families. The project was declared on 1st April 2012. Housing programmes began at 12.7 cent of land purchased for the project. Learning center was started for the children of the huts by cooperating with the trust lead by Professor Bahavuddin. Basic information regarding the inhabitants of the place are being collected.
Efforts are on to supply housing, education, treatment, labour, drinking water and other basic requirements.
International Islamophobia Conference
A three-day Islamophobia International Conference was held at the University of Calicut in Malappuram, India, organized by Solidarity Youth Movement Kerala. The conference featured 25 academic papers and discussions on Islamophobia in Kerala and India. Speakers, including CMP general secretary CP John and various academics, highlighted the prevalence of Islamophobia in Kerala society, its historical roots, and its impact on Muslims’ rights and social perception.
The conference addressed various aspects of Islamophobia, including its presence in Kerala’s public sphere, media, historiography, and politics. Speakers criticized the internalization of Islamophobic attitudes even among liberal and leftist circles. The event concluded with a call from Jamaate Islami Kerala Amir MI Abdul Azeez to recognize and defend against the spread of Islamophobia, which he attributed to imperialist efforts globally and Sangh Parivar in India. The conference aimed to bring academic discussions on Islamophobia into the civil society space and promote understanding of the issue.A three-day Islamophobia International Conference was held at the University of Calicut in Malappuram, India, organized by Solidarity Youth Movement Kerala. The conference featured 25 academic papers and discussions on Islamophobia in Kerala and India. Speakers, including CMP general secretary CP John and various academics, highlighted the prevalence of Islamophobia in Kerala society, its historical roots, and its impact on Muslims’ rights and social perception.
The conference addressed various aspects of Islamophobia, including its presence in Kerala’s public sphere, media, historiography, and politics. Speakers criticized the internalization of Islamophobic attitudes even among liberal and leftist circles. The event concluded with a call from Jamaate Islami Kerala Amir MI Abdul Azeez to recognize and defend against the spread of Islamophobia, which he attributed to imperialist efforts globally and Sangh Parivar in India. The conference aimed to bring academic discussions on Islamophobia into the civil society space and promote understanding of the issue.
Solidarity State Conference
The preparations for the Solidarity State Conference began with a proclamation event inaugurated by Maulana Tahir Madani, a leader of the Anti-CAA protest and a prominent scholar, on December 26 in Kannur. Following this, district-level proclamation events led to the formation of conference coordination committees in all 14 districts. Area coordination committees were subsequently established, expanding the campaign locally. Over 1,000 local coordination committees oversaw unit-level campaign activities, organizing nearly 1,000 youth gatherings to reach 100,000 young people.
The conference theme, “Proud Testimony of Faith, A Legacy of Emancipation,” was promoted across Kerala through banners, boards, and wall paintings. This theme was further developed at the local level with area conferences, family gatherings, youth iftars, sports competitions, and vehicle campaigns.
State Leadership Gathering and Conference Proclamation
The state leadership gathering and conference proclamation was held in Kannur on December 25 and 26, 2021. The leadership meeting was inaugurated by Solidarity State President Nahas Mala. Various sessions were held under headings such as “Liberation Politics and Muslim Heritage,” “Faith, Honor, and Martyrdom,” “Fascism, Islamophobia, Islam: Interactions and Stances,” “Organization and Potential,” and “Operational Opportunities and Plans.” Speakers included KT Hussain, CT Suhaib, TK Farooq, Shiyas Perumathura, Dr. Alif Shukoor, Shabeer Koduvalli, PP Jumail, OK Faris, Shihab Kasim, Muis Kochi, KN Jaleel, Swalihudheen Kollam, Sajid, Mufeeth, Mahir, Naushad Ibrahim, Jasim Kuttampur, and Abu Bakr Wayanad. The concluding speech was delivered by Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala Ameer M.I. Abdul Azeez.
The state conference proclamation public meeting in Kannur Town was inaugurated by Maulana Tahir Madani. He stated that the atmosphere of social harmony being destroyed by the Sangh Parivar in India would not only harm Muslims but the country itself. The conference proclamation was officially made by Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala Ameer M.I. Abdul Azeez. Solidarity State President Nahas Mala presided over the meeting. The meeting was also addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Ameer P. Mujeeburrahman, Jamaat-e-Islami Women’s Wing State President PV Rahmabi, GIO State President Adv. Tamanna Sultan, and SIO State General Secretary Anwar Swalihudheen. Jamaat-e-Islami Regional Nazeem UP Siddique and Kannur District Vice President CP Harris also spoke. Solidarity State General Secretary PP Jumail delivered the welcome address, and Solidarity Kannur District President Zakir Hussain gave the vote of thanks. As part of the proclamation event, a youth rally was also held in Kannur City.
Scholars' Gatherings
In the lead-up to the Solidarity State Conference, scholars’ gatherings were held in Kasaragod, Erattupetta, and Kollam under the theme “Surviving in the Fascist Era: The Duty of Scholars.” The gatherings discussed the duties that scholars must undertake and the priorities that the Muslim community should adopt in the face of increasing fascist threats in India. Scholars from various streams of the Muslim community, young teachers and senior student representatives from different Deeni Madaris participated in these gatherings. Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala General Secretary VT Abdullakoya Thangal, Ittihadul Ulama Kerala Vice President Ilyas Maulavi, and Jamaat-e-Islami State Secretary Abdul Hakeem Nadvi inaugurated the gatherings in Erattupetta, Kasaragod, and Kollam respectively.
In the Erattupetta gathering, held at Food Park Auditorium, Solidarity Kottayam District President Shihab Kasim presided over the meeting. Solidarity State Secretary Tanseer Latheef presented the topic. Imams Council District President Ansari Maulavi Al Bakhavi, Kottayam Central Jumamasjid Imam Sadiq Mannani, and Abdussalam Maulavi delivered speeches. Solidarity State President Nahas Mala summarized the discussions. Solidarity District Committee Member ES Hashir delivered the welcome address, and Jamaat-e-Islami Kottayam District President AM Abdussamad delivered the closing remarks.
In the scholars’ gathering at Kasaragod Islamic Centre, Solidarity State Secretary Shabeer Koduvalli presided over the meeting. Solidarity State Vice President CT Suhaib presented the topic. Ashraf Hudavi, Muhammad Azhari, Sadiq Hudavi, Rafiq Salafi, Asbag Hikmi, Abdul Nasir Qasimi, Abdul Haq Hudavi, Husainar Najmi, Abdul Karim Bayar, Abdurrauf Hudavi, and Jiyad delivered speeches. District President Ismail Pallikkara delivered the welcome address, and Jamaat-e-Islami District President VN Haris gave the closing remarks.
In the gathering at Kollam, Solidarity State General Secretary PP Jumail presided over the meeting. Solidarity State Secretaries Dr Alif Shukoor and Tanseer Latheef presented the topics. The message of Muslim Personal Law Board Member Abdush Shukur Qasimi was read by Darul Uloom student Salman Husni. Abdul Jawad Mannani, Muhammad Irshad, Navas Mannani, Ajikhan Maulavi, Zakir Hussain Rashadi, Shihabudheen Qasimi, S. Swalihudheen, and EK Sirajudheen delivered speeches.
Conference Souvenirs
As part of the state conference, the Valluvambram housing project, which includes seven houses, was handed over to the beneficiaries. The project was planned under the leadership of the Solidarity Malappuram District Committee. It was executed with the cooperation of generous donors on 30 cents of land donated by the Deeni philanthropist Pothankodan Mammad Haji in Valluvaram. Jamaat-e-Islami Malappuram District President Saleem Mampad handed over the keys. People’s Foundation Kerala Secretary M. Abdul Majeed, Solidarity State Vice President CT Suhaib, and Solidarity Malappuram District President Dr Muhammad Nishad spoke at the event.
As part of the 1921 Malabar Rebellion memorial, a plaque commemorating those martyred in the Anglo-Mappila battle at Cheruvadi was installed. The plaque features the names of 37 martyrs identified from the battle, where around 60 people were martyred. Solidarity State President Nahas Mala unveiled the plaque. District President Nuh Chelannur presided over the event. Jamaat-e-Islami State Assistant Secretary Samad Kunnakkavu, World Malayali Council Malabar Province President KP Ali, Jamaat-e-Islami Kodiathur Area President EN Abdur Rasakh, Abdul Bari Kadiyangad, and Faheem Ahmad spoke at the event.
Local Programs
The conference activities were planned with a focus on local organization. Youth were listed and squad activities were conducted, followed by area conferences. The conference message was propagated through rallies and public meetings in the areas. The focus on youth and their families was a key area of emphasis in the Solidarity conference. Youth and their families are the most affected by liberalism and individualism. To address these issues and encourage the Islamization of families, family gatherings were organized.
Mahallu structures are essential for the practical organization of youth. As part of the Solidarity conference, special attention was given to this regard and several Mahall gatherings were organised. The “Mahall Guide” released by Solidarity was personally handed over to Mahall leaders. District cadre camps were organized with the aim of tarbiyah (spiritual and moral training) and empowerment of workers. This was followed by widespread youth iftar gatherings during Ramadan. Registrations for the representative conference were also completed.
Solidarity State Conference
The final program of the conference campaign, the Youth Caravan, took place in the first week of May. The caravan, led by State President Nahas Mall, was organized under the theme “Declare Islamophobia a Crime.”
This caravan commenced on May 5, 2024, in Kasaragod and concluded on May 12, 2024, in Thiruvananthapuram. The key demand of the caravan was the formal recognition of Islamophobia as a crime, reflecting the growing concerns within the Muslim community regarding increasing hate campaigns in Kerala and across India. The caravan aimed to mobilize public opinion and gather support for legal measures to protect Muslims from hate crimes and discrimination. During the caravan’s journey, the Solidarity Youth Movement highlighted the widespread impact of Islamophobic campaigns, which they argued were not only harmful to the Muslim community but also detrimental to the social fabric of a diverse society like Kerala. The movement emphasized that such hate campaigns could have far-reaching consequences, affecting all sections of society.
The caravan was inaugurated in Kasaragod with a public meeting at the New Bus Stand, where the Solidarity Youth Movement’s state president, Dr Nahas AH, addressed the gathering. Dr Nahas underscored the need for immediate legislative action to curb Islamophobia, stating that the growing fear and hatred towards Muslims in Kerala had become a reality that could not be ignored. The concluding event of the caravan took place in Thiruvananthapuram, where Jamaat-e-Islami’s national secretary, Malik Motasim Khan. He delivered a speech demanding legal protection for Muslims. Mr Khan argued that Islamophobic campaigns were stripping Muslims of their economic, political, and democratic rights. He called for the Kerala Legislative Assembly to initiate an ordinance against Islamophobia, framing the issue as a national crisis that needed urgent attention.
Other prominent figures, including the state secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shihab Pookottur, and the state vice president of Solidarity, C.T. Suhaib, also participated in the caravan. Throughout its journey, the caravan hosted several events, including theatrical performances by the Solidarity Cultural Troupe, aimed at educating the public about the dangers of Islamophobia. The caravan also made stops to meet with families of individuals affected by anti-Muslim violence and those who had been unjustly imprisoned under stringent terror laws. Notably, the caravan visited the family of Zakaria, an accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Raihana Siddique, the wife of journalist Siddique Kappan, who was also detained under the UAPA. The caravan members also met with the families of Faisal Kodinji and Yasir Tirur, both of whom were killed by Hindutva groups after converting to Islam.
The Solidarity Youth Movement’s caravan concluded its journey on May 12, 2024, in Thiruvananthapuram. The event marked the culmination of a series of protests, meetings, and cultural activities that sought to bring attention to the rising tide of Islamophobia in Kerala and across India. The movement’s leaders reiterated their demand for legal measures to criminalize Islamophobia, urging the Kerala government to take swift action in this regard. On May 13, Solidarity’s founding day, a flag day was observed, with flags hoisted at all units and campaign programs conducted as part of the conference promotion.
The Conference
With the strength of faith and as a testimony to youth pride in the path of ideals, the second state conference of the Solidarity Youth Movement of Kerala concluded with great enthusiasm in Ernakulam. This conference marked a significant step forward in the march of Islamic revolutionary youth. With its clear slogans and flawless organization, the conference became an unforgettable chapter in the history of Islamic movements. In the current crisis-filled India, where Hindutva fascism is systematically implementing its declared agenda, the conference aimed to instil confidence, resilience, and strength of faith.
Despite adverse circumstances, thousands of people, including international and national guests, attended the two-day representative conference and the subsequent public meeting held at a specially prepared venue near the International Stadium in Kaloor, Ernakulam. T. Arifali, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, who inaugurated the representative conference, said that the idea of eliminating the Muslim community in India is merely a pipe dream of the Sangh Parivar. Indian Muslims have played a crucial role in the social formation, renaissance, and freedom struggle of this country. As long as faith and the history of struggle persist, the extermination of Muslims is impossible, he added.
Solidarity State president Dr Nahas Mala remarked that while the world continues to denounce religion, the Islamic faith is a matter of pride, and the history of Islam has always energized liberation struggles. He emphasized that a nation that denies or loses the constitutional guarantees to a section of its citizens is no longer a nation. India is a country where constitutional assurances, governance systems, and the rule of law have failed. The destruction of the Babri Masjid is a significant symbol of the violation of the constitutional guarantees for Muslims. The Supreme Court verdict on the Masjid issue is a greater disaster than the demolition itself. The lower courts have now attacked Gyanvapi with the confidence instilled by this verdict.
The keynote address at the conference was delivered by M I Abdul Aziz, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala. He urged the attendees to counter evil with the greatest good and to continue progressing on the path of divine guidance, despite any challenges. All issues can be resolved through reflection on Allah’s path, he said.
In the various study and discussion sessions that followed, topics like Islamic thought and life, basic principles of Islam, the beauty of boundaries in life, Islamic faith, culture, successful economic life, Quranic lessons on survival, and others were presented by prominent scholars and leaders such as V.T. Abdulla Koya Thangal, Yusuf Umari, Dr. Badiussaman, and others.
Meeting of Young Leaders
The ‘Youth Moment’ discussion forum, part of the representative conference, became a platform strengthening the protest struggles against the ongoing anti-Muslim racial hatred and attacks led by the Hindutva government. The forum was attended by representatives and student leaders from various parts of the country, including Aditya Menon (The Quint), Mong Thaine Shwee (Free Rohingya Coalition), and others.
Milli Conference as a Forum for Unity
The ‘Milli Conference’ on the theme “Muslim Ummah: Existence and Survival” became a forum for the unity of Muslim organizations for the survival of the community. Sayed Munawwar Ali Thangal, state president of the Muslim Youth League, who inaugurated the conference, stressed that the survival of the community should be the main agenda of Muslim organizations. We live in a time when we must sit together and discuss the Muslim Ummah its political survival must be the primary agenda, he said. In his presidential address, Solidarity State president Dr Nahas Mala emphasized that it is time to change the current agendas to face Hindutva fascism. Other speakers included Abdu Shukoor Qasimi, Salahuddin Madani, and others.
The conference concluded with a massive rally, which, despite adverse weather conditions, became a historic event in Ernakulam. Saadattulla Husaini, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, who inaugurated the concluding conference, stated that the government is responsible for maintaining religious harmony and coexistence in the country. Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Hija was the chief guest at the event. The emotional speeches of Fathima Shabari and Nargis, the wife of Khalid Saifi, who was imprisoned on false charges, resonated deeply with the audience. The conference was attended by Amnesty International President Aakar Patel, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Secretary General T. Arifali, The Quint Editor Aditya Menon, and others.
