Daijiworld Media Network - Kerala (SR)

Kerala, May 2: Following Sri Lanka, Kerala also witnessed a major ‘burqa’ controversy after a college in the state's Malappuram district banned burqa from its college premises. With Muslims being the majority in the region, this ban is expected to foresee a massive reaction.

The Muslim Education Society in Calicut, on April 17, passed a circular stating that burqas in all schools and colleges under MES will be banned, in accordance with the court order that says any ‘dress against the changing society’ should not be permitted. This is applicable not only for burqas but also for other dresses which they think is inappropriate.

The circular, in its third paragraph, clearly states that any dress that covers the face of the woman should be banned.

Representational picture

Many religious organizations in the state have already raised voice against the circular and said, "It is against religious sentiments of a particular community and that MES should have consulted various organisations before taking such decisions."

Sri Lanka’s burqa ban including all other means of covering the face by a presidential decree, a week after Easter Sunday attacks has already created a major setback amongst the community. It was reportedly first proposed as a private member’s bill in the Sri Lankan parliament by MP Ashu Marasinghe who had sought a motion to ban burqa stating that it is not a traditional Muslim garment and it should be banned on security grounds.