Muslim Cleric's shocking fatwa: Boycott polio campaign, schools

Lucknow, Dec 3: Issuing a shocking

, a Muslim cleric asked villagers in

to boycott

campaigns and schools in the locality. In the fatwa, the cleric claimed that polio campaigns put new-born babies in danger.

The fatwa has been issued in at least 30 Muslim dominated villages in Sambhal district. According to media reports, the cleric, by issuing the fatwa, has been trying to pressurise the state government to make their villages part of the adjoining Moradabad district.

A fine of Rs 500 will be slapped against those who will disobey the fatwa, threatened the cleric. Nearly 10 villages saw a total boycott while others witnessed a partial boycott of polio campaign on Nov 24, said a report.

A fine of Rs 500 will be slapped against those who will disobey the fatwa

Meanwhile, poor people of the locality have stopped sending their children to schools. Teachers of the schools have also been threatened to face consequences if they take classes.

Media reports quoted villagers who supported the cause of the fatwa. They said Moradabad is very near to their village as compared to Bahjoi, the headquarters of Sambhal district, which is about 70 km away.

However, the fatwa irked Sambhal district administration which threatened to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against anyone obstructing the polio immunisation drive.

Sambhal district magistrate Lal Bihari Pandey was quoted as saying, "They are playing with the future of the children. We are identifying these families. Stern warning has been issued to them today as their boycott call is not tolerable."

Top officials have been sent to ensure smooth immunisation drive in the locality, informed Pandey.

OneIndia News