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], calling for solidarity with ]]]
The '''National Development Front''' ('''NDF''') was Muslim organisation set up in ]. It was back supporting religiously effected minorities people in the country lead front and the party was established in ] in 1994.

National Development front, abbreviated as ], is an organisaiton in ], ] established in 1993, focusing on socio-enonomical issues of minorities giving a focus to ], ]s and ] in ]. Its slogan is ''Swathantryam - Neethi - Surakrsha'' which means Freedom, Justice and Security. NDF work for the total empowerment of the oppressed communities and it seek to build alliances with all sectors of the society for achiving this goal. In 1997 it stood behind the formation of the ], founded in ].<ref name="CHRO"> NDF in ties with Confederation of Human Rights Organisations </ref>


== History == == History ==
Inspired by pan-Islamic movements across the country after 1992, the NDF gained a strong foothold in the Malabar region following the banning of the Organization of Islamic Servants (ISS).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/jul/28isi.htm |title=Rediff.com |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> The Kerala Police investigation found that the National Development Front (NDF) was another incarnation of the ISS.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712222907/http://www.idsa.in/publications/stratcomments/VinodKumar220806.htm |date=12 July 2007 }}</ref> The NDF actively promoted the claim of "representing the rights of Muslims" to win the confidence of Muslims.<ref name="Campaign">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/21/stories/2005122112160300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001061854/http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/21/stories/2005122112160300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2007 |title=NDF Minorities Campaign |date=21 December 2005 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=August 2023}}</ref>
The National Development Front or NDF started in 1993 in northern Kerala, India. Its main focus is to ensure the rights of all the citizens with a focus to oppressed and minorities.<ref>NDF - What is it?</ref> The main cause for the formation of this organization was the threat and alienation that the Babri Masjid demolition caused among Kerala's Muslims.Then the ] report opened the doors of power to the backward castes and minorities and made them conscious of their rights. <ref> Mandal Commission</ref> This consciousness led to a lot many social organizations coming up. The onslaught against the backward people and religious minorities wasn't the kind that could be met by isolated responses. The NDF came up to give guidance to all such outfits.

== NDF and Human Rights Movements ==
NDF intervene in many of ] violation incidents happening in ].<ref> NDF for Social Justice </ref> As a social organization, NDF have been more successful in raising awareness in the media and in political circles about human-rights abuses and other injustices in our society.<ref>CHRO Website </ref>NDF work along with other oppressed communities like Dalits, Backward classes, Tribals and Human Rights Organizations to ensure social justice. NDF has always considered the reservation issue as an ideological and fundamental one for the empowerment of the socially deprived communities. The organization took a firm stand on this issue affecting the Backward Classes.<ref name="CHRO"/>.

NDF has worked very closely with great Human Rights Activist ] and ], which is closely tied with ] International<ref>HRW Report </ref>.

== NDF and Social Activities ==

NDF has a main focus on socio-economical issues in Dalits and Muslim community in ]. NDF work along with other oppressed communities like Dalits, Backward classes, Tribals and Human Rights Organizations to ensure social justice. NDF has always considered the reservation issue as an ideological and fundamental one for the empowerment of the socially deprived communities.<ref name="Campign"> NDF Minorities Campign </ref>

But as far as religious minorities like Muslims are concerned, it is a question of their religious identity. One promising development, however, is the belated realization among Muslim groups that they are part of a wider community.

NDF is a widely accepted among ] common mass and it has tens of thousands of volunteers all over Kerala from different sectors of Muslims. NDF works hard to unite the minorities in the society and it give a high importance to bring the Muslim minorities on a common ground. It greatly pushes for implementing the ] report and ] report to ensure the educational-social-economic privileges. <ref name="Campign" />

NDF has recently decided to bring the like minded organization together for expanding its activities for the oppressed and the minorities to the rest of the country. <ref> NDF to widen organizational set-up </ref>

NDF has conducted different movements, demonstrations, rallies and other democratic strikes to achive:<ref>NDF for Social Justice </ref><ref name="Reservation_rally" />

* To defend the human rights atrocities from Police, Millitary, Goverment and non govermental agencies.<ref>Widespread protests against death sentence</ref>
* Special Recruitments for Jobs and Educational posts where they were denied the seats according to the govermental rules. <ref name="Reservation_rally">NDF to take out ''black march''</ref>
* For implementing the reservation and allowances for the backward communities for bringing them up to the main stream society.
* The rights of OBC minorites enforcing the goverment and its agencies to help the downtrodden in the society.

]
== Relief activities ==
NDF has actively involved in helping the sufferers of Tsunami victims of ] and ] along with other volunteers of different parites and organisaitons. NDF has Rehabilitated many Tsunami Victims providing necessities and shelter. The the high tidal attack, tsunami had wiped out many of the houses and facilities during end of year 2005. The main focus was to make the victims the basic necessities like drinking water and food. The volunteers were able to get the odd requirements of
<ref> Relief activities in progress - The Hindu</ref>



The National Development Front has 19 Supreme Council members. Among them is Prof P. Koya who was also one of the founding members of the ] (SIMI, the affiliate of ]).<ref>{{cite news| url=http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/america/2007/07/a_kerala_professor_praises_ter.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=A Professor Praises Terrorism | access-date=19 May 2010}}</ref>


In 1997, the NDF organized the National Human Rights Conference in Kozhikode. Based on deliberations and understanding, a new organization was formed called the Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (CHRO).<ref name="CHRO">{{dead link|date=August 2023}}</ref>
The NDF worked closely with ] journalist ] and journalists affiliated with the CHRO by closely connecting with ] International.<ref>{{dead link|date=August 2023}}</ref>


]
The NDF organized parades with the slogan "Be the Sentinels of Islam"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081609430400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427130211/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081609430400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2007 |title=''Be the sentinel of Islam |date=16 August 2005 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> in major cities of Kerala in 2004, 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ndfindia.com/content/view/111/56/ |title=Islamic Parade 2005 |publisher=Ndfindia.com |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> and in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081609430400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427130211/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081609430400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2007 |title=NDF Islamic Parade Report from |date=16 August 2005 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> The parade became one of the regular activities on the Indian Independence Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081610450300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060909092606/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081610450300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 September 2006 |title=Indian Independence Day Activities in Kerala |date=16 August 2005 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref>


The NDF is in alliance with the Popular Front of India and collaborated in the Empower India conference held in Bangalore in February 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021820880100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220172047/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021820880100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2007 |title=Create broad-based alliance of all oppressed sections |date=18 February 2007 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref>
== Minorities Issues and NDF ==


In 2012, the NDF organized various communal movements, demonstrations, rallies and other strikes against police brutality and government misconduct,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110702230300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001050610/http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110702230300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2007 |title=Widespread protests against death sentence |date=7 November 2006 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> claiming the right to work more in government employment.<ref name="Reservation_rally">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/02/10/stories/2004021001860500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202182929/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/02/10/stories/2004021001860500.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2 December 2007 |title=NDF to take out ''black march'' |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> Reservations and allowances were implemented for Muslims.
NDF feel that all repressed sections should have their own separate organisations. This is because the problems people are facing are not common. For example, the dalits. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called them the untouchables. In the job and ruling fronts they still continue as untouchables. Their basic problem is social inequality. Ambedkar told "Ours is a battle not for wealth or for power. It is a battle for freedom. It is a battle for the reclamation of human personality." <ref> A battle for freedom </ref>.


In 2021, the NDF was also involved in the hijab controversy in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by providing shelter, food and drink for those involved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/29/stories/2004122915140300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041231123237/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/29/stories/2004122915140300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 December 2004 |title=Relief activities in progress |date=29 December 2004 |work=] |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref>
But as far as religious minorities like Muslims are concerned, it is a question of their religious identity. One promising development, however, is the belated realization among Muslim groups that they are part of a wider community; and that only by forging partnerships with like-minded groups they can begin to have real impact on the perception of their faith and also on policies that affect them.


== Criticism ==
NDF has a broader vision on empowerment of the country. In order to have developed India, we have to focus first on the upliftment of the down-trodden in the society. Muslims, Dalits, Ezhavas and many others are suffering from discrimination in the society and they are denied of getting enough rights and public facilities. There are many Dalits, Ezhavas and other OBC organizations working closely with NDF.
The NDF was accused of being a ] outfit and members of the organisation were implicated in violent incidents such as the ].<ref>R. Krishnakumar, ''Marad shocks'', Frontline (magazine), Volume 23, Issue 20, 7–20 October 2006 accessed at {{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2320/stories/20061020003810600.htm |title=Marad shocks |access-date=2007-02-09 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112093108/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2320/stories/20061020003810600.htm |archive-date=12 January 2009}} 29 December 2006</ref> The Thomas P Joseph Commission report found that "activists of IUML and NDF, a Muslim outfit, were actively involved in the massacre".<ref name="I">{{Cite web|agency=PTI|date=Sep 27, 2006|title=Marad massacre: Kerala govt for CBI probe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/marad-massacre-kerala-govt-for-cbi-probe/articleshow/2032620.cms|access-date=2023-01-31|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The state secretary of the ] in Kerala, ], said that NDF was involved in the ] and referred to them as a "terrorist outfit" that executed a "planned mass murder".<ref>, by Aboo Backer, ''CPI(M) weekly''</ref> NDF was blamed for inciting violence against moderate Muslims in Kerala who are in opposition to liberal and reformist Islamic movements and individuals.<ref name="CC">{{cite journal |url=http://www.sabrang.com/cc/comold/march99/cover.htm |journal=] |title=The enemy within |date=March 1999 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> The "involvement of fundamentalists and terrorists" was behind the incident.<ref name="I" /><ref name="CC"/>


The ] (BJP) put forward allegations that NDF maintains links with Pakistan's ISI.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052011570400.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525214102/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052011570400.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 May 2005 | location=Chennai, India | work=] | title=BJP seeks inquiry into NDF-ISI links | date=20 May 2005}}</ref> The BJP sought an inquiry into NDF-ISI links.<ref>The Hindu – 20 May 2005</ref> The ] raised doubts about the true nature of their activities. On 31 October 2006, the Congress launched a campaign against terrorism in Malappuram district in Kerala, simultaneously taking on parties and organisations such as the IUML, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the NDF, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-09-30|title=Congress' anti-terrorism campaign in Malappuram|website=] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/01/stories/2006110101850400.htm|access-date=2023-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184747/http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/01/stories/2006110101850400.htm |archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead }}</ref>
NDF works very close with all muslim organisations and co-operate in all the movements for the empowerment of Muslims.<ref>NDF and Muslim Personal law board</ref>


=== Foreign connection ===
== Empower India Conference & Popular Front ==
Ms Neera Rawat IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, deposed before the Marad Judicial Inquiry Commission of Justice Thomas P. Joseph. Her tenure as ] City Police Commissioner was from 22 March 1997 to 16 May 1999. She told the Inquiry Commission that the police had prepared confidential and authentic reports that ISI and ] have funded the NDF.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/14/stories/2005051402780700.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001065040/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/14/stories/2005051402780700.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 October 2007 | location=Chennai, India | work=] | title=ISI, Iran funded NDF: Rawat | date=14 May 2005}}</ref>


Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Special Branch, ], A.V. George, also deposed before the Marad inquiry panel on 29 October 2005, and stated that a key witness in an illegal arms possession case had given a statement to the police during its investigation that the NDF had been receiving crores of rupees from foreign countries to carry out its training programmes. ACP George quoted the testimony made by arrested NDF cadres that the NDF had been sending people to Pakistan for the last several years.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/30/stories/2005103005910600.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108111120/http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/30/stories/2005103005910600.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 January 2008 | location=Chennai, India | work=] | title=NDF received aid from foreign countries | date=30 October 2005}}</ref>
NDF is in coalition with ] and has co-operated in the ], which is held at bangalore in February 2007.<ref>Create broad-based alliance of all oppressed sections</ref> ] is an organisation with a agenda to bring the underprivileged and the marginalized sections like dalits, backward classes and minority communities to come on one platform. The conference is expected to motivate the underprivileged and marginalized sections like dalits, backward classes and minority communities to work for human rights and social justice.
<ref>PFI's 'Empower India Conf.' in Bangalore from Feb. 15 - 17, 2007 </ref><ref> Main Events of Empower India Conference. </ref>


==== Kottakkal Police station attack ====
==Criticism==
Police accused that NDF activists attacked the Kottakkal police station at Kottakkal in ] district in the early hours of 23 March 2007 following the arrest of two senior leaders of the front. The attack was repulsed by the police and 27 activists were taken into custody.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/23/stories/2007032314290400.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212110839/http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/23/stories/2007032314290400.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 February 2008 | location=Chennai, India | work=] | title=NDF activists attack Kottakkal police station; 27 arrested | date=23 March 2007}}</ref>
The NDF is accused of being a communal outfit and members of the organization have been implicated in violent incidents like the 2002 ]{{Fact|date=March 2007}}.<ref>R. Krishnakumar, ''Marad shocks'', Frontline (magazine), Volume 23, Issue 20, Oct. 07-20, 2006 accessed at Dec 29, 2006</ref> The Thomas P Joseph Commission report found that "activists of IUML and NDF, a Muslim outfit, were actively involved in the massacre"
<ref name="I"> Times of India - September 27, 2006</ref> NDF has also been blamed for inciting violence against moderate ]s in ], in opposition to liberal and reformist ]ic movements and individuals.<ref name="CC"></ref> and that "involvement of fundamentalists and terrorists" was behind the incident<ref name="I" />.


==== Modus operandi ====
The ] have put forward allegations that NDF maintains links with ]s ]. <ref>] seeks inquiry into NDF-ISI links] The Hindu - May 20, 2005</ref> The ] (who are politically opposed to the ]) has also raised doubts about the true nature of their activities. On ], ], the Congress launched a campaign against terrorism in Malappuram district in Kerala, labeling NDF as an organization that promotes ].<ref>,''The Hindu''</ref>. In addition, the State secretary of the ] in Kerala, ], has said that NDF was involved in the ] and referred to them as a "terrorist outfit" that executed a "planned mass murder".<ref>, by Aboo Backer, ''CPI(M) weekly''</ref>
''Frontline'' magazine quoted a senior police officer as saying that the NDF had successfully exploited the sense of insecurity created in the Muslim community by events that followed the ] demolition to find supporters in northern Kerala, irrespective of their political or other allegiances. The report adds: "Initially, no NDF member used to acknowledge openly that he was an NDF member. They would always claim that they were members of other organisations. The truth may be that members of several organisations were members of the NDF also. Now the NDF has several wings and is making a major effort to project itself as a socio-cultural organisation of Muslims."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1505/15051230.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021124134028/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1505/15051230.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=24 November 2002 |title=Hinduonnet.com |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref>


==NDF Response to Criticisms== ==== Pakistan MP visit row ====
Pakistan MP Mohammed Thaha Mohammed's visit to ] on 29 April 2007 sparked a controversy, with activists of the BJP and other Sangh Parivar groups staging a march to the hotel where Mohammed was staying. They claimed that leaders of a few Muslim organisations, including the NDF, were seen visiting the MP.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/29/stories/2007042900971100.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501085614/http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/29/stories/2007042900971100.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 May 2007 | location=Chennai, India | work=] | title=Pakistan MP's visit to Kerala sparks row | date=29 April 2007}}</ref>
The National Development Front publicly denies involvement in the ]. They allege that the perpetrators arrested for the acts were not members of their organization<ref name="Hindu">NDF denies accusition in Marad massacre </ref> and, as is normal in the discourse of ] propaganda in India, blamed the entire incident on the ] and other "Fascist Hindus", evoking ] canards in a blurb on their website.<ref name="ndfcruft"> NDF welcomes CBI Probe </ref> In addition, they made veiled threats implying that there will "be trouble" if "innocent Muslims were persecuted by the police"<ref name="Hindu"/>.They also declared that they "Welcomed the CBI investigation" into the Marad riots.<ref name="ndfcruft"/>


==== Additional views ====
In response to general criticisms about thir organization, the NDF has vaguely criticized "the media" and "the authorities" for their portrayal of the organization as a militant outfit. An NDF spokesperson said:<ref> News from The Hindu</ref>
] political scientist ] lists the NDF as a "fundamentalist and subversive group".<ref>{{cite book
| last = Bukay
| first = David
| author-link = David Bukay
| title = Muhammad's Monsters: A Comprehensive Guide to Radical Islam for Western Audiences P177-178
| year = 2004
| publisher = New Leaf Press
| isbn = 0-89221-576-3
| quote = Evidence of these processes is mounting throughout India, and is reflected in the number of fundamentalist and subversive groups that exist, and the geographical spread of their activities. The most prominent of these include the ], the All India Milli Council, All India Jihad Committee, The People's Democratic Party, Muslim United Front, Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazagham, National Development Front, ], among others
| url-access = registration
| url = https://archive.org/details/muhammadsmonster0000unse
}}</ref> After the ], the NDF, along with other Islamist organisations, was closely monitored by authorities for terrorist links.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/18/stories/2006071803630300.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210140552/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/18/stories/2006071803630300.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 February 2008 | location=Chennai, India | work=] | title=Police on alert after Mumbai blasts | date=18 July 2006}}</ref> The organisation attracted numerous ] to their ranks, and are compared to several more well-known militant Islamist groups such as ], ], and others.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Ahamkaari
| author-link = Ahamkaari
| title = Will I Be Killed?: (for Writing the Following Contents. ..) P331
| year = 2003
| publisher = iUniverse
| isbn = 0-595-27591-5
| chapter = 4
| quote =Kerala is witnessing more and more recruits into this extremist Islamic ideology". When the names are the alarming "Lashkar-e-Toiba" and "Hizbul Mujahiddeen" in the "uneducated North", it is very humorously garbed as "National Development Front" in the south"
}}</ref>


==== Implementation of religious code ====
:''Mediapersons have been misled by Intelligence authorities to believe that the NDF was a militant organisation. They had said the same thing about Congress during the freedom struggle''
The NDF is alleged to be involved in efforts to push the Islamic ] code among the moderate and cosmopolitan Muslim society in Kerala, an act viewed by moderate Muslims and secularists as ]. NDF was accused of targeting liberals in the community – those who do not strictly follow Islamic laws like abstaining from liquor, fasting during ], and wearing the ] or ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insaf.net/pipermail/sacw_insaf.net/1999/000008.html |title=] known by the alias ''Siddhan'' for indulging in what they saw as "un-Islamic spiritualism" and of a Muslim man from ] for working for a leftist organisation.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web|date=2005-03-16|author=Rajeev P I|title=Kerala's extremist outfit of many faces|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/keralas-extremist-outfit-of-many-faces/|access-date=2023-01-31|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


== NDF Freedom Parade == == NDF's aggressive response to criticism ==
]


The NDF denied involvement in the Marad massacre. It alleged that the entire blame for the incident lay with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other "socialist Hindus".<ref name="Hindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/16/stories/2002011603360300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020816013344/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/16/stories/2002011603360300.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=16 August 2002 |title=NDF denies accusation in Marad massacre |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |date=16 January 2002 |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> He indirectly made an aggressive threat that "there will be trouble" if "any Muslim is caught by the police".they "welcomed the CBI investigation" into the Marad riots.The NDF criticised the media and officials for not supporting the militant outfit and portraying the BJP badly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/16/stories/2002011603360300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020816013344/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/16/stories/2002011603360300.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=16 August 2002 |title=News from The Hindu |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |date=16 January 2002 |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref>
NDF has conducted Freedom Parades with the slogan''Be the sentinel of freedom''.<ref>''Be the sentinel of freedom </ref> in major cities of Kerala in 2004, 2005 <ref>Freedom Parade 2005 </ref>, and in 2006<ref>NDF Freedom Parade Report from The Hindu</ref>. The parades have become one of the major activities on the ] <ref>Major Indian Independence Day Activities In Kerala</ref>.


==See also== == See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* NDF Minorities Campign
* CHRO Website


==References== == References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
<div class="references-small"><references/></div>


==External links== == External links ==
* *
* Rajeev Pi, ''In Kerala bastion, CPM fights hardline Muslim violence'', Sunday Express, August 20, 2006 accessed at Dec 29, 2006 * Rajeev Pi, ''In Kerala bastion, CPM fights hardline Muslim violence'', Sunday Express, 20 August 2006 accessed at 29 December 2006
* R. Krishnakumar, ''The Maudany factor'', Frontline (magazine), Volume 19, Issue 22, 26 October – 8 November 2002 accessed at {{usurped|}}, 29 December 2006
*
* R. Krishnakumar, ''The Maudany factor'', Frontline (magazine), Volume 19, Issue 22, Oct 26 - Nov 08, 2002 accessed at Dec 29, 2006 * R. Krishnakumar, ''Concern in Kerala'', Frontline (magazine), Vol.15, No.05, 7–20 March 1998 accessed at {{usurped|}}, 29 December 2006
* – The ]
* R. Krishnakumar, ''Concern in Kerala'', Frontline (magazine), Vol.15, No.05, March 7-20, 1998 accessed at Dec 29, 2006
* – Ajai Sahni
* - The ]
*
* - Ajai Sahni
* Court Rejects ''Anti-National'' Charge Against islamic leader
* National Development Front Website
* Empower India Conference 15–17 February
* Popular Front Of India Website
* CHRO Website
*
* Court Rejects ''Anti-National'' Charge Against human rights leader
* Empower India Conference 15-17 February


{{IslamismSA}}


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] ]
] ]
]
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Latest revision as of 05:19, 10 November 2024

The National Development Front (NDF) was Muslim organisation set up in Kerala. It was back supporting religiously effected minorities people in the country lead front and the party was established in India in 1994.

History

Inspired by pan-Islamic movements across the country after 1992, the NDF gained a strong foothold in the Malabar region following the banning of the Organization of Islamic Servants (ISS). The Kerala Police investigation found that the National Development Front (NDF) was another incarnation of the ISS. The NDF actively promoted the claim of "representing the rights of Muslims" to win the confidence of Muslims.

The National Development Front has 19 Supreme Council members. Among them is Prof P. Koya who was also one of the founding members of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI, the affiliate of Indian Mujahideen).

In 1997, the NDF organized the National Human Rights Conference in Kozhikode. Based on deliberations and understanding, a new organization was formed called the Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (CHRO). The NDF worked closely with Thejas journalist Mukundan C Menon and journalists affiliated with the CHRO by closely connecting with Human Rights Watch International.

NDF Freedom Parade 2006

The NDF organized parades with the slogan "Be the Sentinels of Islam" in major cities of Kerala in 2004, 2005, and in 2006. The parade became one of the regular activities on the Indian Independence Day.

The NDF is in alliance with the Popular Front of India and collaborated in the Empower India conference held in Bangalore in February 2007.

In 2012, the NDF organized various communal movements, demonstrations, rallies and other strikes against police brutality and government misconduct, claiming the right to work more in government employment. Reservations and allowances were implemented for Muslims.

In 2021, the NDF was also involved in the hijab controversy in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by providing shelter, food and drink for those involved.

Criticism

The NDF was accused of being a communal outfit and members of the organisation were implicated in violent incidents such as the 2002 2nd Marad massacre. The Thomas P Joseph Commission report found that "activists of IUML and NDF, a Muslim outfit, were actively involved in the massacre". The state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, said that NDF was involved in the Marad massacre and referred to them as a "terrorist outfit" that executed a "planned mass murder". NDF was blamed for inciting violence against moderate Muslims in Kerala who are in opposition to liberal and reformist Islamic movements and individuals. The "involvement of fundamentalists and terrorists" was behind the incident.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) put forward allegations that NDF maintains links with Pakistan's ISI. The BJP sought an inquiry into NDF-ISI links. The Indian National Congress raised doubts about the true nature of their activities. On 31 October 2006, the Congress launched a campaign against terrorism in Malappuram district in Kerala, simultaneously taking on parties and organisations such as the IUML, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the NDF, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Foreign connection

Ms Neera Rawat IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, deposed before the Marad Judicial Inquiry Commission of Justice Thomas P. Joseph. Her tenure as Kozhikode City Police Commissioner was from 22 March 1997 to 16 May 1999. She told the Inquiry Commission that the police had prepared confidential and authentic reports that ISI and Iran have funded the NDF.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Special Branch, Ernakulam, A.V. George, also deposed before the Marad inquiry panel on 29 October 2005, and stated that a key witness in an illegal arms possession case had given a statement to the police during its investigation that the NDF had been receiving crores of rupees from foreign countries to carry out its training programmes. ACP George quoted the testimony made by arrested NDF cadres that the NDF had been sending people to Pakistan for the last several years.

Kottakkal Police station attack

Police accused that NDF activists attacked the Kottakkal police station at Kottakkal in Malappuram district in the early hours of 23 March 2007 following the arrest of two senior leaders of the front. The attack was repulsed by the police and 27 activists were taken into custody.

Modus operandi

Frontline magazine quoted a senior police officer as saying that the NDF had successfully exploited the sense of insecurity created in the Muslim community by events that followed the Babri Masjid demolition to find supporters in northern Kerala, irrespective of their political or other allegiances. The report adds: "Initially, no NDF member used to acknowledge openly that he was an NDF member. They would always claim that they were members of other organisations. The truth may be that members of several organisations were members of the NDF also. Now the NDF has several wings and is making a major effort to project itself as a socio-cultural organisation of Muslims."

Pakistan MP visit row

Pakistan MP Mohammed Thaha Mohammed's visit to Thalassery on 29 April 2007 sparked a controversy, with activists of the BJP and other Sangh Parivar groups staging a march to the hotel where Mohammed was staying. They claimed that leaders of a few Muslim organisations, including the NDF, were seen visiting the MP.

Additional views

University of Haifa political scientist David Bukay lists the NDF as a "fundamentalist and subversive group". After the 11 July 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings, the NDF, along with other Islamist organisations, was closely monitored by authorities for terrorist links. The organisation attracted numerous Islamic Fundamentalists to their ranks, and are compared to several more well-known militant Islamist groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and others.

Implementation of religious code

The NDF is alleged to be involved in efforts to push the Islamic Sharia code among the moderate and cosmopolitan Muslim society in Kerala, an act viewed by moderate Muslims and secularists as Talibanization. NDF was accused of targeting liberals in the community – those who do not strictly follow Islamic laws like abstaining from liquor, fasting during Ramadan, and wearing the makhna or purdah. The NDF has been linked to multiple murder cases, including that of a Muslim fakir known by the alias Siddhan for indulging in what they saw as "un-Islamic spiritualism" and of a Muslim man from Punalur for working for a leftist organisation.

NDF's aggressive response to criticism

The NDF denied involvement in the Marad massacre. It alleged that the entire blame for the incident lay with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other "socialist Hindus". He indirectly made an aggressive threat that "there will be trouble" if "any Muslim is caught by the police".they "welcomed the CBI investigation" into the Marad riots.The NDF criticised the media and officials for not supporting the militant outfit and portraying the BJP badly.

See also

References

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