Communists in Kerala have a strange conundrum over the state’s largest festival. Onam is too big to be left solely to Hindus, but too Hindu for their bedfellows, Islamists, to swallow.

And that has led to a rare bout of friction between the friends.

Recently, a case was registered against a schoolteacher in Kerala, Khadija, for urging Muslim students not to be part of Onam celebrations. CPI(M)’s youth wing, DYFI, lodged the police complaint.

Khadija, who teaches at the Siraj-ul Uloom English High School in Kadavallur, Thrissur, had sent a voice note in which she is heard telling Muslim parents to ensure their children do not take part in Onam, the official festival of Kerala.

Kunnamkulam police have registered a case under BNS Section 192 (“wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot") against the teacher.

Thrissur, incidentally, has been home to ISIS modules. In 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted the Kerala ISIS module — which was planning terror attacks on places of worship and political leaders — after carrying out raids at three locations in Thrissur and one in Palakkad.

Khadija’s case provides more context on Islamist radicalisation in the district.

“Onam is a festival of Hindus. We Muslims should live by adhering to Islam. Neither we nor our children should encourage Onam........

© News18