There has been widespread outrage after the photographs of Hamas leaders were displayed in a local festival procession in Palakkad district of Kerala. Pictures of the terrorist organization Hamas chief Yaya Sinwar and Ismail Hania were seen on the banners, on which ‘Tharwadis, Thekha Bhagam’ (ie ancestor, southside) was written.
A group of youth were taking out the parade by placing these banners on elephants. More than 3,000 people participated in this procession organized on Sunday evening under the annual ‘Urs’ Festival at Trithala, Palakkad. However, the exhibition of this disputed banner has launched a long discussion on social media.
The organizers separated themselves from religious affiliation
Meanwhile, the organizers of Trithala Fest have distanced themselves from any religious affiliation. The organizers clarified that the event was not related to any mosque, but was part of the Trithala Fest, in which many community groups participated.
In this procession, young children were seen holding pictures of Sinwar and Hania. Shortly, the incident came into controversy and many people raised questions from the organizers about allowing such banners.
There was a ruckus in Kerala University
The incident has come to light after several Palestinian rallies held recently in the state. In 2024, there was a dispute over the annual youth festival of Kerala University, when it was named ‘Intifada’. The term is associated with Palestine-Israel struggle and is used by Hamas.