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Kochi, Oct 16 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Thursday warned that the Vijayan government should not become a “pawn” in the hands of people waiting for opportunities to incite communal tension.
Speaking to the media, he stressed that officials holding responsible positions should work quickly to resolve sensitive issues instead of allowing them to escalate.
The Congress leader cited the hijab controversy at Palluruthy St Rita’s Public School as an example and said it was effectively managed and resolved by MP Hibi Eden, Ernakulam DCC president Mohammed Shias and other local leaders.
Emphasizing the need to maintain social harmony, he said, “The issue ended here and it should not be used to add fuel to the fire anywhere else.”
The leader alleged that several political parties have attempted to turn various incidents into communal violence.
“However, the opposition maintained a clear and responsible stance,” he said, referring to the recent judicial clarification on the Waqf land dispute, which showed that the earlier claims had no legal basis.
LOP Satheesan underlined that it is the responsibility of the Vijayan government to take immediate action to prevent sensitive matters from being used to promote communalism.
“The government should not fall into the hands of those who are waiting to inflame religious sentiments or become an instrument of their agenda. The media should also play a role in ensuring that small issues are not blown out of proportion to harm social cohesion,” he said.
The opposition leader reiterated that although the government has a role, the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and stability lies with the opposition.
“That is why, in such situations, the opposition adopts a conciliatory and calm approach,” he said, stressing the importance of restraint, timely action and social responsibility to prevent communal tension from escalating.
The hijab controversy erupted when an eighth grade student was allegedly barred from entering the classroom for wearing a hijab, as it was against school rules.
–IANS
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