The Popular Front of India (PFI) in Kerala has expressed shock and concern on learning that at least 15 members of its group have joined the ISIS in the last few years. In an internal circular distributed on 30 November 2017, days after media reports on the issue, the PFI claimed that it was unaware of the developments.
The circular states that such activities have happened in violation of their beliefs and teachings.
The circular read: "Though the number is not very significant this happened in violation of our organisational teachings and it is a matter of serious concern,” reports Times of India.
The circular was issued by the national chairman of the PFI, E Aboobacker, asking the members to discuss the issue during the meetings.
"Popular Front is an organisation that identified the dangers inherent in Islamic State in the early stage itself when news about the same started appearing in the media. Since then our organisation has been instructing our members and the masses about the anti-religious and anti-national nature of IS," E Aboobacker says.
Aboobacker also said that the PFI has warned their members about the activities of the Islamic State and asked them to be alert to avoid falling prey of the extremist group.
“Members must be extremely cautious about the mysterious groups, their brainwashing efforts and their attempts of infiltration and precaution have to be taken during social media interventions,” said Aboobacker.
The circular in 2014 had also clarified that the state leadership of PFI must be alerted without much delay if a member is found guilty of such activities that are against the principles of PFI.
(This article was originally published on The News Minute)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)