KANNUR: Detractors of the Jamaat-e-Islami are crying foul over its alleged double standard with regard to the protest against laying GAIL pipeline at Mukkam. The organisation, which leads the agitation at Mukkam, has allegedly rented out its land at Kolappa, in Kannur to the GAIL for storing the pipes.
The news that Insaaf Charitable Trust, under the Jamaat-e-Islami, Kannur, has rented out 56 acres of land to the GAIL to store the pipes, at the rate of ` 2 lakh per month has triggered a controversy.
According to sources, GAIL has been using the land form 2013 onwards. How can an organisation lead an agitation with commitment while renting out their premises to the same organisation, ask their detractors.
As the news went viral in social media, Jamaat-e-Islami came out with an explanation, claiming the campaign was aimed at diverting public opinion from the public outrage against the project.
“Jamaat-e-Islami has nothing against the GAIL project as it is considered helpful for the development of the state. But, at Mukkam, the sentiments of the people should be taken into consideration and adequate compensation should be given,” said Jamaat-e-Islami district president UP Siddique.
Jamaat-e-Islami is not against development, he said. We entered into an agreement with the company in 2013, when there was no controversy about the project.
We were helping a company which came forward for the development of the state, Siddique said. Kolappa is a relatively less populated area and the people here did not launch any protest against keeping of pipes on our premises, he said.“Some sections of the media are misleading the people by spreading lies. Its not the raw materials, but the anti people project, which should be opposed. That is the stand of Jamaat-e-Islami, Siddique said.