Sindhi Samaj urges not to politicise Sindhi-Muslim

Bhopal, Apr 14 (UNI) In the wake heated reactions over a Sindhi girl eloping with a Muslim boy, the Sindhi Samaj has urged everybody not to politicise the matter.

Hurt over being projected as ''Talibani and Tuglaqi'' by the media, the Samaj has asserted that the reality was just the opposite.

Sindhi Navyuvak Kalyan Parishad convenor Durgesh Keswani said no 'Tuglaqi' farman (edict) had been issued by the Sindhi Samaj restricting the use of two-wheelers and mobile phones by girls or regarding not covering their faces.

He said the Samaj had only alerted girls and guardians to remain alert that facilities were not misused.

Regarding the marriage of Priyanka Vadhwani and Mohammed Umar, Mr Keswani pointed out as Priyanka was merely 19 years old, the Sindhi Samaj and other people doubted whether she understood the difference between love and attraction.

He said Priyanka was to appear in B.Com second year examination on April 20. Under these circumstances, her running away and getting married showed that her approach towards life was not mature and practical.

On controlled reactions from the Sindhi Samaj in other parts of the country, he urged members of his Samaj, political parties and other organisations not to issue statements just for gaining appreciation or from a political viewpoint.

Mr Keswani said though Sindhi Samaj believed in modern lifestyle, values and ethics as per Indian traditions must also be considered.

Referring to Priyanka's statement to electronic media in Mumbai that she wanted to become a role model for her community, he said it reflected her immaturity.

''Had she really wanted to become a role model, she would not have run away from home but demonstrated the strength of her character by convincing her parents for inter-religious marriage,'' he said.

Mr Keswani said their concern was about Priyanka's future and demanded that police arranged girl's meeting with her parents.

He said as Priyanka had married, the time to criticise her decision had already passed.

The Sindhi Samaj leader said some reports had been received that a large number of Hindu girls had changed their religion after marriage.

He said the government must investigate these matters to ascertain the facts in this regard.

Priyanka Vadhwani eloped with Mohammed Umar and got married to him in Mumbai. Umar converted to Hinduism and changed his name to Umesh before the marriage.

Various organisations, which had given hot statements in the past two-three days in this regard, had toned down and were issuing restricted statements now.

Newly-constituted Hindu Raksha Samiti (HRS) had earlier called a bandh in the state capital today but later withdrew it after talks with the district administration.

UNI