Kanthapuram's statement draws heavy criticism from leaders, artists

KOCHI: Political leaders, artists and intellectuals have reacted against the statement of Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musalyar that equal status for men and women was against the principles of Islam. Reacting sharply against the statement, former state secretary of CPI Panniyan Raveendran said Kanthapuram has no right to insult women in the name of religion. He should speak with dignity, he said.

KPCC president VM Sudheeran said he did not agree with the statement of Kanthapuram. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has also reacted against the statement of the Sunni leader. Dr PA Fazal Gafoor, president of Muslim Educational Society said that there is gender equality in Islam. He said that Muslim community is progressing fast. Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musalyar’s statement has tarnished the image of the community, he added.

Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musalyar had said that gender equality is against the principles of Islam and against human conscience.