Summary：**Disturbing Study Reveals FGM Ritual Among Sunni Muslims in Kerala** *Research uncovers the hidden

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**Disturbing Study Reveals FGM Ritual Among Sunni Muslims in Kerala**
*Research uncovers the hidden practice of female genital mutilation within a specific community, prompting urgent calls for intervention.*

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### Introduction
A recent field study conducted by independent health researchers has brought to light a troubling reality: female genital mutilation (FGM) is being performed on infant girls within certain Sunni Muslim households in Kerala. Locally referred to as *sunnath*, the procedure involves the partial or total removal of external genitalia, often carried out without the child’s knowledge or consent. Survivors, now adults, have begun sharing their experiences, shedding light on a practice that has long remained shrouded in secrecy.

### Key Developments
The research team interviewed over 120 women aged 20‑45 from districts such as Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Approximately 18 % disclosed that they underwent *sunnath* before the age of two, typically justified by elders as a religious obligation. Medical examinations revealed a range of complications, from chronic pain and urinary difficulties to psychological trauma. Notably, none of the participants reported receiving any formal health‑care follow‑up after the procedure. The study also documented that the ritual is often performed by traditional birth attendants rather than licensed practitioners, raising serious safety concerns.

### Industry Analysis
From a public‑health perspective, the findings expose gaps in Kerala’s maternal‑child health surveillance system. While the state boasts impressive health indicators overall, pockets of harmful traditional practices evade routine monitoring. Legally