'Purdah' costs Christian woman her job in Kerala

Kottayam, Sep 10: Suja Jacob may not have thought even in her wildest dreams that wearing the traditional 'purdah' (Muslim women rainment) would cost her her job and end up in prosecution.

Ms Jacob a christian, employed with the Kerala State Co-operative Consumer Federation (Consumerfed), posed as a Muslim woman by wearing purdah to receive the first sale from State Minister for Co-operation G Sudhakaran at the inauguration of a 'Ramadan fair,' organised by the Consumerfed at suburban Karappuzha.

Consumerfed officials reportedly instigated her to wear the 'purdah' as they could not find any 'purdah'-clad woman among the audience to give the occasion a 'Muslim touch' and receive essential commodities from the Minister at the inaugural function.

But, the 'secret' was leaked out and the police registered a case against Ms Jacob for cheating and impersonation on a directive from the Minister's office.

Ms Jacob was dismissed from her job and two Consumerfed officials were transferred in connection with the incident.

Annual fairs are organised by the Consumerfed and the State Civil Supplies Corporation in Kerala during Onam, Christmas and Ramadan to make available essential commodities to the people at a reasonable price during festivals.

UNI