Thiruvananthapuram: The Minister of Fisheries, Saji Cherian, in a speech he made earlier had remarked that while he visited Saudi Arabia, he did not hear the call of prayer of the Muslim community. However, the Minister has now issued a statement retracting his remarks and said that what he said about Azan in the speech was made after getting wrong information. He also appealed to everyone to understand the truth and to change their misunderstanding.
In an earlier speech, Saji Cherian, said that when he visited Saudi Arabia he thought the people who lived there were extremists. He also said that he did not hear the Azan at any place he went. When he inquired about it to a person, that person said if Azan is heard outside then there would be repercussion.
The Minister also said in his earlier speech that he was surprised about the law which restricts Azan in public. They have right to call of prayer but the law states that it is nuisance in public and must not be done. The Minister goes on to praise the country’s democratic principles.
However, when some political leaders came against the Minister’s statement, he was quick to release a statement openly retracting his earlier references to Azan and also appealing to everyone to realize the truth behind his statement.
Minister Saji Cherian’s speech and subsequent withdrawal of the statement comes at a time when the communist party is adamant in its refusal to issue an apology to Hindu community in the Speaker’s anti-Hindu remarks.
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