'No Political Or Religious Events In Public Places': Oman After Kerala CM's Welcome Procession Row
Muscat, Oman: The Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday, November 4, issued a directive stating that the gulf nation will no longer approve any events to be conducted in public places. The directive issued by the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) comes after social media row following Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan‘s visit and the subsequent welcoming parade organised by Indian community.
Following a welcoming procession for Kerala Chief Minister during his visit to Oman recently, enraged users on social media had slammed the parade and the following festivities, calling them blasphemy and a form of pagan ritual being performed in their country.
The Sultanate’s directive stated that all events of the Indian Social Club Oman, including those of its wings and branches, must henceforth be held only within the ISC premises or in enclosed venues, until further notice.
Read Also: Oman Social Media Criticises Procession In Kerala CM Welcome Parade: “Blasphemy”, “Pagan Ritual”
Social media rage flared up against the procession, asking ‘why did the nation allow infidels to perform their rituals here in public?’ Several users expressed their outrage over what they deemed disrespectful to local religious consciousness.
However, the ministry’s directive has underlined that the country does not allow any religious or political references of any kind to be permitted under the ISC banner.
Read Also: Bengaluru: Lover Kills 35-Year-Old Woman Suspecting Infidelity, Body Found In Autorickshaw
“All members are reminded to uphold and respect the laws of the Sultanate at all times. Your cooperation and compliance with the Ministry’s instructions are sincerely appreciated,” the ministry added.
The online backlash primarily emanated from the Indian community’s festival at Al Amerat Park, which included traditional “Kettukaala” — decorative ox figures customary in Kerala, which Omani social media users called blasphemy.
The Kerala Chief Minister arrived in an open jeep, greeted by applause and cheers from the community. Notably, several videos shared online depicting the parade, particularly the Kettukaala, triggered a wave of hostile commentary among Omani nationals and some other residents.
