Kochi, Feb 21 (PTI) CPI-M Kerala Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has courted a controversy with his remarks over 'holy hair' claimed to be that of Prophet Mohammed by a section of Muslims in the state. Vijayan has been facing flak from leader of All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama A P Aboobacker Musaliyar for questioning a debate between his outfit and some other sections of Muslims over the authenticity of 'holy hair'. He said the party had no intention to interfere in matters relating to any religion but made it clear it would not bend its knees on communalism. "CPI-M has not interfered in religious affairs but will also not bend its knees on communalism," he told reporters. Making a general observation, Vijayan said the teaching of prophets needed to be given importance rather than preserving their hair, nails and sweat. Vijayan at a seminar in Vadakara near Kozhikode on Sunday had questioned the ongoing debate between Musliar's outfit and others about the authenticity of his claim about the Prophet's hair. Musliyar's faction has announced plans to build a huge mosque at a cost of Rs 40 crore in Kozhikode and exhibit the 'holy hair'. Its claim, however, has been disputed by some other Muslim groups, which have asked it to prove its authenticity. Meanwhile, Vijayan has received support from an unexpected quarter with his arch-rival and former chief minister V S Achuthanandan objecting to Musliar's attack. "Everyone has got the freedom to discuss any matter. The CPI-M's policy is not to annoy any religious sect," he said in Kozhikode responding to Musliar's remarks that politicians should not talk about religious affairs. Kerala Nadvathul Majahideen also said every citizen of the country got the right to question if anybody was found misleading believers by 'misusing' religion. General secretary of All India Islahi Movement Hussain Madavur welcomed the criticism coming from various quarters over misuse of religion. Criticising Musaliyar's claim that he possess the 'holy hair of the Prophet', Madavur said all religious, political and cultural leadership should come forward against such false claims.
