Kerala police arrest Ottayal Salim for solo Babri protest sparks criticism
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The arrest of the 62-year-old Muhammad Salim, popularly known as Ottayal Salim, by Kerala police for staging a protest against the demolition of the 16th-century Babri Masjid on January 22nd has sparked controversy and criticism.
Salim, a well-known figure for his solo protests against Hindutva organizations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), chose the day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to voice his dissent.
At the Vazhimukku Junction of Athiyannoor village in Thiruvananthapuram, Salim held a placard featuring a photo of the Babri Masjid, livestreaming his protest on Facebook to maximize outreach. The Neyyattinkara police station registered a case against Salim under Section 153, accusing him of wantonly giving provocation with the intent to cause a riot.
Salim, however, maintains that his protest was peaceful and aimed at raising awareness among the public. "I only asked Muslims to protest by reciting the Holy Quran and urged democratic secular individuals to observe the day as a black day," he stated. Despite his claims of a non-disruptive demonstration, Salim was arrested later by authorities.
"No god can be seated in the temple which is constructed by demolishing democracy," Salim declared, emphasizing his belief in secularism and opposition to Hindutva ideology. He further asserted his determination to resist what he perceives as attempts to silence dissenting voices.
Although not affiliated with any political party, Salim has been actively involved in protests against measures such as the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
His arrest prompted demands from locals for his release, with criticisms levelled against the Kerala government for allegedly stifling dissent similar to tactics employed in BJP-run states.
"My demand is to fight for democracy and secularism. I don't care about the police case charged against me. I will be there for people among the anti-fascist front against Sangh Parivar till my death," Salim affirmed, expressing his unwavering commitment to his cause.