Author: Special Correspondent
Publication: The Telegraph
Date: August 10, 2007
URL: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070810/asp/northeast/story_8174478.asp
An inadvertent mistake by Tripura school education
minister Keshab Mazumder yesterday drew howls of protests from the Tripura
Arabic Forum and the state unit of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind which questioned
his knowledge of Islamic history and scripture. The organisations also asked
him not to intervene in religious affairs of the minorities.
Yesterday, Mazumder inaugurated the double-storeyed
buildings of Rangamatia and Kulubari higher secondary schools.
He also announced the elevation of Rabindranagar
high school to the status of a higher secondary school in minority-dominated
Sonamura subdivision of West Tripura. At Kulubari, while mentioning the Left
Front's programmes for the state's minorities in front of a large gathering,
the minister questioned the need of sticking to "outmoded practices like
wearing veils".
"Muslim women must come out of their
veils and shun the habit of confining themselves to home if they want to progress.
You must also realise that by studying in madarsas, you are depriving yourself
of the benefits of modern scientific education," Mazumder said, adding
that "all forms of religious superstitions must be rejected to achieve
development".
Two residents of the area defended the practice
of Muslim women wearing veils. "It is a religious right protected by
the Constitution," they said.
Abdul Qasim, a CPM supporter and two senior
members of the forum, have sought a clarification. Reacting to Mazumder's
statements, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Mufti Taibur Rahaman, said:
"It only shows his ignorance of Islamic history. His statement betrays
his lack of understanding of issues like development and progress."
