Malayalam writer embraces Islam to protest against ex-naxal leader cremation

THRISSUR: To protest former Naxal leader and social activist Najmal Babu, cremation, Malayalam writer Kamal C Chavara embraced Islam on his Facebook page.

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According to Bangalore Mirror reports, Najmal Babu also known as TN Joy, 72, passed away at Kodungallur on Tuesday and was cremated in contrast to the last wish of the activist.

In 2015, free spirit Najmal had reportedly embraced Islam in solidarity with his Muslim community and in protest against the increasing hate crimes and religious intolerance in the country.

Following his conversion to Islam, he was known as Najmal Babu.

It was his wish that he expressed in a written letter to the Moulavi of the centuries-old mosque in 2013 that his mortal remains should be interred as per Muslim customs in the compound of the historical Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur.

However, Babu was cremated at a family property in Kodungalloor by his kin amidst protest from his close acquaintances and friends that demanded the activist should be interred according to his last wish.

The police had to use force to gain possession of the body.

A public intellectual and a voracious reader, Najmal fiercely fought the Emergency and following the extreme violence against Naxalites, spent several months in jail.