KOTTAYAM: Cooperation minister V N Vasavan visited the Imam of Thazhathangady Juma Masjid on Friday as part of the conciliatory efforts of the government following the ‘narcotic jihad’ remarks of Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt. Muslim leaders had taken strong objection to the remarks made by Vasavan after visiting the Kallarangatt when he openly supported the bishop and called those who protest against him as terrorists. The unexpected visit was after the condolence meeting of Muslim league district secretary P M Basheer who had passed away on Thursday.
After taking part in the meeting, Vasavan called on Imam Ellavupalam Shamsudheen Mannani. The Imam conveyed the protest of the Muslim community on the remarks made by the minister. Vasavan said that the chief minister has already made clear the government's stand on the narcotic jihad issue. He told him that it was the stand of the CPM as well as the government.
