NCW takes umbrage at Imams remarks against Shabana Azmi
NEW DELHI, Oct 25 (UNI) The National Commission for Women (NCW) today took strong exception to the "crude and derogatory" remarks made by Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari against Rajya Sabha MP and social activist Shabana Azmi in a recent television interview, saying it reflected the "ingrained patriarchal viewpoint." Ms Azmi had criticised the Shahi Imam for his call to the Muslim community to launch a Jehad against the US attacks on Afghanistan and suggested that he should be despatched to Kabul.
The Islamic cleric had reacted by describing the film actress as a "Nachne Gaanewali Tawaif" (nautch girl) during a programme "we the people" on star news, from which the word "Tawaif" was edited before it was beamed, "Shabani Azmi is a respected member of parliament and an actress of international repute who has tirelessly identified herself with the rights of women and the underprivileged.
The offensive language used by the Shahi Imam.Is both unacceptable and objectionable," the NCW said, adding that such an attitude coming from a religious leader would only inhibit the empowerment of women.
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