Kerala fast emerging as SIMI’s own country
Naveen Nair & R Reghu Raj / CNN-IBN
Mon, Aug 18, 2008
Cochin: After the Gujarat police revealed the Students Islamic Movement of India’s (SIMI) southern links, the state administration in Kerala has acknowledged, that the state has become a fertile ground for SIMI activities.
Intelligence agencies also say that Maoists, who have found a safe haven in Kerala’s jungles, could be operating closely with SIMI.
It was perhaps the state’s worst kept secret, something which the state government has been ignoring for a year.
However, authorities seem to be on the back foot and they are trying to pass the buck by blaming human rights groups.
"We have debated on the issue and Human Rights activists have studied the entire situation and have raised their concern. I request them to study the situation before raising their concerns. Leniency is leading to such a huge problem," says Home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Human rights activists are incensed that the government is playing the blame game, instead of reacting sharply against the militants.
Meanwhile, facts suggest a strong SIMI link in Kerala. It is reported that an important meeting of the SIMI was held at Aluva in December 2007. It was attended by SIMI chief Safdar Nagori and PA Shibly.
Cadres were also given commando training at a hill camp in Wagamon. This was first revealed by a local channel and has now been confirmed by the Gujarat police.
It seems that the political demography of the state, where both the CPM and Congress vie for the vital minority vote, makes Kerala a safe haven for SIMI activities.
Mon, Aug 18, 2008
Cochin: After the Gujarat police revealed the Students Islamic Movement of India’s (SIMI) southern links, the state administration in Kerala has acknowledged, that the state has become a fertile ground for SIMI activities.
Intelligence agencies also say that Maoists, who have found a safe haven in Kerala’s jungles, could be operating closely with SIMI.
It was perhaps the state’s worst kept secret, something which the state government has been ignoring for a year.
However, authorities seem to be on the back foot and they are trying to pass the buck by blaming human rights groups.
"We have debated on the issue and Human Rights activists have studied the entire situation and have raised their concern. I request them to study the situation before raising their concerns. Leniency is leading to such a huge problem," says Home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Human rights activists are incensed that the government is playing the blame game, instead of reacting sharply against the militants.
Meanwhile, facts suggest a strong SIMI link in Kerala. It is reported that an important meeting of the SIMI was held at Aluva in December 2007. It was attended by SIMI chief Safdar Nagori and PA Shibly.
Cadres were also given commando training at a hill camp in Wagamon. This was first revealed by a local channel and has now been confirmed by the Gujarat police.
It seems that the political demography of the state, where both the CPM and Congress vie for the vital minority vote, makes Kerala a safe haven for SIMI activities.
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