J&K Islamic body directs women not to go out without male companion

Muslim women should not go to public places without a male companion and they should minimise the use of mobile phones, according to the directives issued by an Islamic body in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district today.

These directives, among others, were issued by the 'Islamic Markazi Majlis e-Shoura' (Islamic central advisory council) in the district through a poster pasted at several places, including the main Jamia Masjid in the mountainous town, 230-km from Srinagar.

The poster, 'Islah-e-Mashra' in Urdu, threatened the possibility of social boycott of the families which organise dance and music shows at weddings, declaring that 'music is not permitted in Islam'.

The women are asked to desist from going to public places, including exhibitions and circus, without a male companion, it said.

The religious body asked people to give up the practice of engagement and prefer 'nikah' ceremonies directly as 'several ills have cropped up in the society because of the engagement ceremonies'.

It also asked the women, especially students, to limit the use of mobile phones as it gives rise to 'immoral activities' in the society.

The poster also asked youths to desist from moving unnecessarily in the markets and instead join the five prayers at the mosques for a better society.

The parents should give attention towards co-education in coaching centres, it said and appealed to teachers to hold separate classes for the boys and girls.

It asked the teaching staff to ensure such timing so that the girl students are not forced to move out of the house in the wee hours when it is still dark.

Describing drug abuse as 'alarming', it sought cooperation of the people in eradicating the menace.  -- PTI