Noorbeena seeks the leadership of the League and seeks clarity in Kanthapuram

Vanitha League’s former national general secretary Noorbeena Rasheed has indirectly hit out at the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership for its silence on the controversy surrounding Kanthapuram Islamic scholar AP Aboobacker Musliar.

In a Facebook post, Ms. Rasheed said that a political movement that seeks the rights and progress of the Muslim community should have clear and consistent positions on issues concerning society. According to her, its leadership should not remain silent or broadcast unclear messages, especially to the younger generation.

Mr. Kanthapuram’s directive during the recent Milad celebrations restricting women from performing in public spaces has sparked a wave of protests from various quarters. The directive has been widely accused of being anti-women.

Referring to the tacit support given by the IUML to Mr. Kanthapuram, Ms. Rasheed said, “The movement needs clarity, consistency and credibility in its ideas and positions. The younger generation needed a clear sense of direction rather than confusion.”

Ms. Rasheed also recalled the efforts she made in the 1990s to bring Muslim women into public life and politics. She said women were encouraged to assert their values, assert their opinions and participate in social progress.

Ms Rasheed resigned as national general secretary of the Vanitha League after she was denied a ticket in the assembly elections in April. She was reportedly not happy with the party’s decision to field young student leader Fathim Tahiliyya.

Published – 03 Sep 2026 23:30 IST