Kozhikode: Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musaliyar, General Secretary of the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama, faces criticism after stating that Muslims in India face no insecurity. He made the remark during a television interview on February 16 after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The statement drew sharp responses from several Muslim organisations. The Kerala Muslim Youth Federation, youth wing of Dakshina Kerala Jamiathul Ulama, said the remarks ignore ground realities. In a statement, the group alleged rising cultural and physical targeting of Muslims. It referred to concerns raised by international agencies and cited political statements by leaders such as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The group also pointed to recent citizenship verification issues in Malabar under the SIR process.
IP Abdul Salam of Markazudawa under Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen questioned Kanthapuram’s position. He alleged that central agency pressure influenced the remarks and accused him of misrepresenting the community’s condition. Solidarity Youth Movement leader Taufiq Mambad said public endorsements near centres of power undermine the struggles of many Muslims.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan described the comments as a personal opinion. He stated that minorities, including Muslims and Christians, face insecurity and attacks in different parts of the country.
In response, the AP Sunni faction led by Kanthapuram issued a clarification. Khalilul Bukhari Thangal said the leader meant that Muslims live safely under India’s Constitution and democratic system. He stressed that constitutional protections ensure security.
Reports also suggest that Kanthapuram invited the Prime Minister to attend the centenary celebrations of Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulama in Malappuram next year.
