Row over ‘burqa ramp walk’ in Uttar Pradesh

A fashion show in Uttar Pradesh triggered an angry protest from Muslim organisations for allowing some college students to walk the ramp wearing burqas. 

A video of a fashion show led by Muslim women at a college in Uttar Pradesh has gone viral on social media. While the organisers of the show said that it was a platform for Muslim women to show their creative side, the videos angered the Jamiat-e-Ulema, who objected to burqa being shown as an "item for fashion display".

The District Convener of Jamiat Ulema termed it as completely wrong and instigated the sentiments of Muslims. Jimayat Ulama clarified that burqa is not a part of any fashion show.

Jamiat Ulema District Convenor Maulana Mukarram Kazmi has demanded action against the college administration, terming the catwalk in burqa as inciting the sentiments of Muslims. He has also warned against organizing such programs in future. At the same time, he has also clarified that burqa is not a part of any fashion show, rather burqa is used for curtains among Muslims.

Kashis Warsi, the National President of the Sufi Foundation, however expressed strong disapproval of the Jammiyat's objections to the use of burqa in a college annual day program. Warsi questioned whether the Jammiyat had issues with the girls wearing burqa on the ramp or if their concern was with the college's name, 'Shree Ram.' Warsi challenged the Jamiat’s authority, stating that they should refrain from acting like a government and suggested that the government should consider taking strict action against such organizations.