In yet another disturbing incident from Kerala that has gone largely unreported by both local and national media, the Parameshwari Guru Muthappan Temple in Thachampara, Mannarkkad (Palakkad district) was attacked three days ago.
The attack occurred around 1 a.m. The assailants broke the temple door, vandalized flex boards installed at various locations, and allegedly attempted to dislodge the murti. Stones were also thrown at the house of the temple priest, located next to the shrine. The motor in the temple well was destroyed.
According to the temple committee, Islamists were behind the attack, allegedly led by the local ward member. The perpetrators allegedly hurled casteist insults, body-shamed the priest, and even threatened to burn him alive inside the temple. Police have arrested two individuals, Hamsa (50) and Sajeer (46), both residents of Chooriyod in connection with the attack. They were produced in court and remanded to custody.
The exact reason and trigger for the attack are still under investigation. However, it is alleged that the land mafia may also be involved. Media reports suggest that the temple is in an area where land prices would otherwise be rising, but its presence is seen as affecting those prices, prompting vested interests to seek its removal.
Here is a report on the incident, as published by Mathrubhumi.
https://newspaper.mathrubhumi.com/palakkad/news/palakkad-news-1.10822240
Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K.P. Sasikala Teacher and BJP East District President Prashant Sivan visited the site, demanding strict action against all involved and urging the police to apprehend the entire group responsible. In a widely read post, she mentioned that the priest, Binesh Kumar, is a differently-abled, unmarried man from the Scheduled Caste community. He lives in a small shed with his elderly, ailing parents. She adds in her post that in his early years, he could only move by crawling with his hands crossed; today, he can walk a little, but only with great difficulty. Reports suggest he has faced targeted harassment in the past.
Selective Outrage, Once Again?
Contrast this with the recent arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. In that case, local, national, and even international media erupted with headlines about “minority persecution.” Politicians rushed to express outrage. Yet here in Kerala, the victim is a differently-abled man from a Scheduled Caste, a community that enjoys constitutional protections. His temple was attacked, his home vandalised, his family threatened, and casteist abuse hurled at him.
Three days have passed, and still, there is silence, from the media, from so-called secular voices, and from local political leaders.
Why the double standard? Why is outrage so selective? Think.
Featured Image Source: Janam TV
Thanks for bringing up to the attention of the readers this heinous Islamist attack on this Palakkad Hindu temple and physical attack on the priest Binesh Kumar and also on his house.
Regarding the point about selective outrage by secular voices, and from local political leaders:
Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K.P. Sasikala Teacher and BJP East District President Prashant Sivan visited the site, demanding strict action against all involved and this is such a great service for our dharm. We must express our gratitude for this. However, I would say if RSS, Hindu Mahasabha, various Hindu Senas are silent on Palakkad temple and priest attack (and in general mostly on all attacks, rapes, murders of Hindus by radicalized Islamists), then they should imagine a hypothetical scenario where a masjid, it’s mulla and his house are attacked. It would generate extensive protests and street demonstrations by Muslim organizations and masses and also outrage by mainstream media, “secular” organizations and political parties. So, Hindu muted response is the main issue for selective outrage.
Even if a Hindu youth shows bravery and sacrifices his/her life, what is the reaction of Hindu organizations? Probably none, like for example for Shri Shyam who attained virgati for our dharm, as per the following report, I am not hopeful if any Hindu organizations are active – https://hindupost.in/bharatiya-bhasha/hindi/the-young-man-who-came-to-give-advice-to-the-girl-sitting-in-the-park/
So the selective outrage of media and politicians and others is not a point to be highlighted in my view, it is the absent
Hindu momentum to generate such outrage that need to be followed.
Hindu Dharma is facing a dire situation in several states, such as Kerala. And in other states where Hindus are awakened (such as in the north), the liberal lobby is working overtime to generate a narrative of minority persecution. Every Hindu needs to speak up for his Dharma. It doesn’t matter that Sanatana Dharma has survived centuries of onslaught. It will be history, if we dont speak up NOW.
Agreed. Hindus are pluralistic, extremely diverse and unorganized, so they are easy fodder for religiously motivated islamists and their cronies, unless organised. And Hindus in general do not speak up, or resist, but just try to pacify or downplay the troublesome things.