People's Democracy

Condemn Ban on the All Women Band

AIDWA and NFIW jointly issued the following statement on February 4:

AIDWA and NFIW strongly condemn the diktat of the grand Mufti of Jammu&Kashmir issued on February 3, 2013 banning the All Girls Rock Band of Kashmir saying singing is un-Islamic. We assert that women’s constitutional rights cannot be restricted by patriarchal and conservative mind sets operating in the name of religion, especially a religion which places women in high esteem.  

 The Grand Mufti should try to support the all round advancement of Muslim girls. The attitude shown by Bashiruddin Ahmed would further marginalise and disempower a section which is already facing many forms of socio-economic exclusion.

 AIDWA and NFIW urge the J&K government to come forward to ensure that the girls are enabled to exercise their constitutional rights.

We call on all progressive and democratic forces to express their solidarity to the All Women Band, and encourage them in their creative efforts.