Israel-Palestine conflict: Kerala’s Kannur is a hub for stitching uniforms for the Israeli police

Mumbai`s Kerala businessman says the Israel police contacted the company even after the war began and placed additional orders for more uniforms. File Photo: AFP

While political opinions in Kerala vary on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, a remarkable group of artisans in the quaint town of Kannur in northern Kerala has been dedicatedly serving Israel both before and after the tragic attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas on October 7.

For the past eight years, hundreds of skilled tailors at a local apparel unit in Kannur have been tirelessly crafting uniform shirts for the Israel police force. Kannur, known for its political volatility, is also celebrated for its rich tradition of handloom manufacturing and textile exports.

The talented team at Maryan Apparel Pvt Limited, Kannur, has been behind the creation of the distinctive light blue, long-sleeve uniform shirts for the Israeli police. Their work doesn't stop at shirts; they also design and affix trademark emblems to the sleeves.

The owner of this apparel unit, Thomas Olickal, a Kerala businessman based in Mumbai, has revealed that the Israel police continued their collaboration with the company even amid the ongoing conflict. Additional orders for uniforms were placed, and a new product line is set to be delivered by December.

"They have placed an order for cargo pants and shirt uniform sets for their police training. Fabric production is underway, and we plan to commence stitching by the end of November or the beginning of December," Thomas shared with news agency PTI. He expressed pride in the fact that they have been supplying one hundred thousand uniform shirts annually to the top-class Israel police force over the past eight years.

Launched in 2006 at the state-run Kinfra Park, the company specializes in uniforms not only for the Israel police but also for military personnel, security officers, and healthcare workers from various countries worldwide. Additionally, they supply school uniforms, attire for supermarket staff, doctors' coats, coveralls, and corporate wear.

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The apparel unit in Kannur was established with the mission of providing employment opportunities to the local community, especially for those who had lost jobs due to the decline of the traditional beedi industry in the region.

Thomas revealed that the Israeli police first approached his company due to their expertise in uniform manufacturing. "Their representatives came to Mumbai to discuss the deal. Subsequently, they visited our factory with their top officials, designers, and quality controllers, spending nearly ten days here," he explained. He emphasized the Israeli officials' unwavering commitment to perfection, accepting the stock only if it met their stringent quality standards.

While Thomas Olickal hopes for a swift end to the ongoing conflict and a return to peace in the region, it's worth noting that the war that began on October 7 has tragically become the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 2,778 Palestinians have lost their lives, with 9,700 wounded, and another 1,200 people across Gaza are believed to be trapped under the rubble. On the Israeli side, more than 1,400 casualties have been reported, with at least 199 others, including children, captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, as confirmed by Israel. (With inputs from PTI)