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The Ramanathapuram District Jamaathul Ulama Council has opposed the installation of the statue of the former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at his burial site at Pei Karumbu near Rameswaram, stating that it was against the Muslim personal law (shariat).

Talking to reporters after discussing the issue at the council’s high level committee meeting here on Saturday,

A. Valiyulla Noori, president of the council, said they were against installing the statue, as Islam was against ‘idol’ worship and individual eulogy.

Construction work in progress at the site where the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s statue will be installed near Rameswaram.—Photo: L. Balachandar

The best way of honouring Kalam would be to follow his ideals and realise his vision for a stronger and developed India, he said. Kalam wanted the youth to dream to achieve high. Fulfilling his wishes would be the best way of honouring him, he said.

Building a memorial, auditorium, knowledge centre or museum, depicting the life history of Kalam would help inspire the youth and the authorities could avoid installation of the statue, council secretary M. Abdul Rahman and treasurer S Mohamed Yaseen, who attended the meeting, said.

Stating that they had conveyed their sentiments to the family members of Kalam, they made it clear that they would not try to stall or stage protest if the authorities went ahead with their decision to unveil the statue on July 27 on the occasion of Kalam’s first death anniversary, they said.

APJM Sheik Saleem, grand nephew of Kalam, said leaders of the council had expressed their sentiments, but he told them that the family could do little on the issue.

Work nearing completion

Meanwhile, the construction of pedestal for installing the statue was nearing completion at the site. The seven-foot tall statue, similar to the one installed at the DRDO complex in Hyderabad, was expected to be transported from Hyderabad by Sunday, sources said.