The war between Israel and Gaza, which saw thousands being killed, has an Indian connection, and that is a surprising one. The Israel army has connection with the small district of Kannur in Kerala. Since the war broke out between the two countries, political parties across India have divided opinions about it. It all started after Hamas launched a deadly attack targeting civilians in Israel on October 7. Amid all the opinions and debates over the war, a group of people in a nondescript town in north Kerala have been diligently "working" for Israel before and after the onslaught began.
According to the news agency PTI, hundreds of tailors from a local apparel unit in Kannur in Kerala have been working tirelessly to prepare uniform shirts for the Israel police force for the past eight years. Kannur is known for its glorious tradition of handloom making and textile export.
The Israel police force dons elegant light blue, long-sleeve uniform shirts which are prepared by the tailors and employees at Maryan Apparel Pvt Limited in Kannur. Alongside the double-pocket shirts, the unit also designs and attaches the trademark emblems to its sleeves.
Maryan Apparel Pvt Limited
Maryan Apparel Pvt Limited was launched at the state-run Kinfra Park in Kannur in 2006, the company specialises in the uniforms of army men, police personnel, security officers and health service workers from various countries across the globe. It also supplies school uniforms, dresses for supermarket staff, doctors' coats, coveralls, corporate wear and so on. The apparel unit is owned by Thomas Olickal, a Kerala businessman based in Mumbai. The unit currently employs over 1,500 trained staff.
The apparel unit was set up in Kannur with the objective of providing employment to local people who had become jobless due to the decline of the traditional beedi sector there. Apart from Israel, Marian Apparel supplies uniforms to the armed forces of other countries around the world.
Israel Police Approached Company Because Of Its Specialisation In Uniform Making
Thomas, who hails from Thodupuzha in Idukki district said the Israel police had approached his company after coming to know they were specialising in uniform making. "Their representatives came to Mumbai and discussed the deal. Later, they visited the factory here with their top officials, designers, and quality controller. They were here for nearly 10 days," he said.
He stated the Israel police approached the company even after the war began and placed orders for more uniforms, as per PTI. He stated that they placed an order for a new product from this year and the first shipment would be made by December.
"They have ordered for the cargo pants and shirt uniform set for their police training. Fabric production is going on and we are planning to start stitching by November-end or the beginning of December," he told PTI. "We have been supplying one lakh uniform shirts annually to the Israel police for the past eight years. It is really a matter of pride for us that we are supplying uniform shirts for a top-class police force like that of Israel," Olickal told a Malayalam news channel.
Thomas Olickal said Israeli officials were very particular about perfection, and they would accept the stock only if it was perfectly fit and the quality was up to par. He wanted the ongoing war to end at the earliest and peace to return in the region.