KOZHIKODE: Minister K T Jaleel has come forward supporting Muslim Educational Society (MES) for banning burqa in colleges. Muslim religious organisations should self-examine them and religion is not asking you to cover your face, he said. However, the government does not intend to impose any decision on dress code and religious organisations should take the initiative to reach a consensus on it, he told media.

Muslim women don’t cover their face while going for Haj pilgrimage and while praying also. Islam says women should not cover their face and hands and why are some adamant on wearing burqa, he asked. Some business interest is there in wearing burqa and words on the advertisement-manufacture of 786 types of burqas in 313 colours is a tactic of minting profit emphasising faith.

Jaleel came forward when protests of religious organisations intensified after MES issued a circular banning burqa in educational institutions coming under MES. The circular issued has asked teachers and students not to wear burqa. Muslim organisations including Samastha was against it. It is a violation of faith and cannot accept their stand, they said.