Outrage in Kerala as Hamas Leaders’ Images Are Displayed in Mosque Festival Procession
Images of Hamas Leaders in Kerala’s Uroos Festival Stir Up Outrage
In a shocking display of support for Hamas, images of the militant group’s leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, were prominently featured in a procession during the annual Uroos festival of a mosque in Thrithala, Palakkad district, Kerala. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, ignited widespread outrage across social media platforms and triggered political debates throughout the state.
More than 3,000 attendees participated in the procession, a key feature of the festival, but it was the controversial banners showcasing Sinwar and Haniyeh’s faces that became the focal point of criticism. These banners were paraded atop elephants by a group of young participants, while some children were seen holding the posters of the Hamas leaders, which were met with cheers from the crowd.
This display quickly sparked a national conversation, with critics questioning the organisers’ motives and why such sensitive imagery was allowed during a public event. Calls for accountability have emerged, demanding an explanation from those behind the event.
Political Leaders Raise Concerns Over Hamas Imagery
The participation of prominent figures, such as Minister MB Rajesh and Congress leader VT Balram, in the event has raised additional concerns. The lack of an immediate response from the organisers of the Uroos festival has only fueled the controversy, as people continue to debate whether the display was a political statement or simply part of the festival’s tradition.
While there has been no official statement from the festival organisers, the presence of these images has prompted an outcry from several quarters. Critics have raised alarms about the potential implications of publicly showcasing leaders of an internationally recognized terrorist organization, especially in a state with such a sensitive political landscape.
Similar Incidents Fuel Tensions Over Pro-Palestine Protests in Kerala
This incident is not isolated. Kerala has seen a rise in pro-Palestine rallies in recent years, with several controversial events related to the conflict between Israel and Palestine sparking widespread debate. In 2024, Kerala University’s youth festival, originally titled “Intifada,” faced intense backlash due to its association with Hamas and the Palestine-Israel conflict. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Mohanan Kunnummal, instructed the removal of the term “Intifada” from all event promotions after it became clear that the term was closely linked with the militant group’s ideology. The event was later renamed the “Kerala University Youth Festival.”
Additionally, in October 2023, a rally in Malappuram organized by the Jamaat-e-Islami youth wing, Solidarity Youth Movement, featured a virtual address from former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal. Mashal’s address sparked further controversy, particularly after he called for the “uprooting of Hindutva and Apartheid Zionism.” Though Mashal could not attend in person due to visa restrictions, his virtual address was met with harsh criticism, particularly from political opponents.
BJP Criticizes Growing Hamas Influence in Kerala
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the presence of Hamas-related imagery and figures in Kerala’s political and social events. BJP state president K Surendran called the participation of Hamas leaders in these gatherings “extremist” and demanded an investigation into the incident, stating, “Things have reached such a state in secular Kerala. Hamas extremists are participating in programs in Kerala.”
Surendran’s remarks reflect growing concerns within the BJP and other political groups over what they see as the increasing prominence of extremist ideologies in Kerala’s public spaces. The display of Hamas leaders’ images has reignited debates about the state’s political climate, particularly regarding the rise of pro-Palestinian sentiments that sometimes intersect with radical political agendas.
The Growing Pro-Palestine Sentiment in Kerala
The Uroos festival procession controversy comes at a time when the pro-Palestine movement has been gaining momentum in Kerala. Historically, the state has seen significant support for Palestine, driven by both ideological and religious motivations. Many in Kerala’s Muslim community have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, particularly in the wake of violent clashes between Israel and Hamas.
While expressing solidarity for Palestine is legal, the line between support and endorsement of Hamas remains a delicate issue. Hamas is a militant group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and the European Union. Its tactics, including violent acts and its ideology, have drawn condemnation worldwide, making the public display of its leaders’ images a polarizing act.
How This Incident Reflects Political Polarization in Kerala
This controversy underscores the increasing political polarization in Kerala. The state, known for its history of ideological diversity and a high degree of political activism, has become a battleground for competing narratives about international conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
As the debate over the Uroos festival’s Hamas display rages on, it also highlights the challenges political leaders and event organisers face in managing sensitive topics within the multicultural and multi-ethnic fabric of Kerala. The rise of social media as a tool for political expression has only amplified these divisions, allowing incidents like this to quickly spiral into larger, state-wide discussions about freedom of expression, terrorism, and political allegiances.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Kerala’s Political Landscape?
The controversy surrounding the Uroos festival’s Hamas banners will undoubtedly have lasting implications for Kerala’s political discourse. As discussions continue to unfold, the state’s leaders and residents must grapple with the intersection of international politics and local community sentiments. With ongoing debates about the role of Hamas and other extremist groups in Kerala, it’s clear that the state’s political identity is in the midst of a significant shift.