Clerics flayed for fatwa against Muslim singer
Tribune News Service
Haridwar, March 16
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad has demanded a public apology from fundamentalists and clerics who have objected to singing of songs by young Assamese artiste Nahida Afrin.
National president of the parishad Mahant Narendra Giri Maharaj today condemned those who were objecting to Nahida Afrin’s singing, particularly devotional and patriotic songs.
He said abuses, threats and fatwas against a Muslim singer and artiste were condemnable as music is a medium to unite people across the boundaries of countries, religion and colour.
“Such fatwas should be condemned and those who have issued the fatwa should apologise to the young artiste. God has bestowed talent upon her and she has honed her skills with sheer hard work and practice. Instead of asking her to quit singing, these people should motivate her and boost her morale,” said Narendra Giri.
He referred to another Muslim girl whom fundamentalist cleric Suhana Sayed had criticised for singing a devotional Hindu song.
Mahant Mohan Das, national spokesperson for the parishad, referred to several television serials as the perfect example of religious harmony and unity, as artistes belonging to various communities played various characters.
On the Shankaracharya issue, Narendra Giri said a high-level meeting of all akhada representatives would be called soon.
