Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala police have registered a suo motu case against NSS members on charges of unlawful assembly, as they took out a prayer rally to observe the 'faith protection day' in protest against Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer's remarks about Lord Ganesh.
The registration of an FIR against 1,000 identifiable persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Kerala Police Act, for unlawful assembly, rioting, and violating the ban on public processions, is expected to further deepen the tension between the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Nair Service Society (NSS).
During the "faith protection day" observance organized by the NSS, prayer rallies were held at various temples, demanding an apology from Shamseer for his comments. The Thiruvananthapuram city police registered a case against NSS taluk union vice-president Sangeeth Kumar and 1,000 identifiable persons, accusing them of unlawful assembly, rioting, and violating the ban on public processions.
In response to the case against the NSS, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a protest march to the state secretariat, adding to the ongoing demands for Shamseer's removal as Speaker.
Shamseer's statement, made during an education project inauguration, expressed the view that myths should not be promoted as science, citing examples from Hindu mythology. The CPI(M) categorically rejected calls for an apology, with state secretary M V Govindan stating that there was no question of Shamseer retracting his comments. He accused the opposition parties of having an electoral agenda and attempting to sow divisions in society.
Shamseer himself clarified that his remarks were not meant to insult any religious sentiments, as he respected all religions. He asserted that promoting scientific temper was in accordance with the principles of the Indian Constitution.
In response to the CPI(M)'s stance, NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair expressed disappointment, stating that the faithful felt hurt by the Speaker's comments. He called for the state government to take a stand on the issue.