Guwahati, Mar 16 (PTI): Teen singer Nahid Afrin of Indian Idol fame seemed unfazed on Wednesday by an alleged fatwa a group of Islamic clerics issued banning her from performing in any public entertainment event.

In the first such edict issued in Assam, the alleged fatwa asked the 16-year-old to stay away from a musical programme, to be held on March 25, claiming the event was “against Sharia”.

The diktat was circulated through pamphlets which was widely distributed among public across Hojai and Nagaon districts in central Assam on Tuesday.

Assam chief minister Sarbanand Sonowal condemned the ‘fatwa’ and directed police to provide security to the singer.

Sonowal had a telephonic conversation with Nahid and assured her of all steps to ensure her security so that she can continue pursuing her vocation and bring laurels to the state.

In a statement, Sonowal said, “Such a ruling against practising art and culture is unacceptable and is tantamount to infringement of one’s freedom of cultural rights. Such a move cannot be tolerated in a civilised society”.

Printed in Assamese and carrying names of 46 clerics, organisations and individuals, the leaflets said entertainment events “corrupt” future generations.

The leaflet said, “Magic, dance, drama, theatre, etc are against Sharia laws. Events like musical shows are against Sharia, law and future generations will be corrupted by it.”

“If anti-Sharia acts like musical nights are held on grounds surrounded by masjids, idgahs, madrassas and graveyards, our future generations will attract the wrath of Allah,” the pamphlets read.