Former Naxalite leader and social activist T.N Joy embraced Islam on Tuesday.
Announcing his decision through facebook post on Monday, Mr. Joy said his conversion to Islam was a political statement. “I believe in the slogan that ‘Personal is Political.’ My conversion to Islam is my way to protest against the increasing religious fascism against Muslims. I am changing my name from Joy to Najmal,” he said.
“As part of his struggle against the casteism, my father gave me the name Joy and I am taking it further. I have taken the name Najmal N Babu,” Joy said.
“At the time of religious fascism, I am resigning from the religion into which I was born. I dream of a society where such religious conversions are not news,” he said.
“Fascist tail has grown to all Hindus after the demolition of Babri Masjid. Muslims in the country are feeling threatened,” he said.
Asked if he would submit himself to the rituals as part of the conversion process, Joy said: “that also can happen, but that can wait.”