Bhopal police face criticism for action against two-wheeler riders

Bhopal, May 12 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh's Jamaat-e-Islami Hind unit has described Bhopal Police's decision for action against two-wheeler riders, who cover their faces while driving, as an attack over religious freedom.

In a statement, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said Muslim women wore 'naqab' as a part of their religious tradition. Under such circumstances, it would be difficult to follow the police's instruction.

He demanded that women be kept out of the purview of the decision.

Akhil Bharatiya Janvadi Mahila Samiti's state unit criticised the decision saying it was being implemented on the direction of certain organisations.

Samiti's secretary Neena Sharma said women generally covered their faces to protect themselves from 'loo', heat and winter.

She said no one must interfere regarding dressing sense of people in society.

Ms Sharma said atrocities against women were not being stopped but decisions were imposed on them. She urged women and intellectuals to come out against this decision.

On May 10, Bhopal police had started taking action against riders for driving with their faces covered describing it as a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.

The decision had been strongly opposed. As a result, police's attitude was seen to be quite soft against such riders today.

UNI