Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

The veil controversy

Ms. Patil’s remarks on the veil are irresponsible. The veil system is one of the basic principles of Islam. It was not introduced by the Mughals as claimed by Ms. Patil. As one who is likely to occupy the highest office of the state, she should have avoided making such controversial remarks.

A. Mohamed Murthvza,
Chennai

Ms. Patil’s comments on the veil may or may not be historically valid. But it is not fair to accuse her of being pro-Hindutva. By treating her remarks against Mughals as anti-Muslim, her critics are unwittingly toeing the line of their bete noire, the sangh parivar that equates the Mughals with Indian Muslims.

V.D.S. Prasad,
Chennai

I am surprised at the reaction of secularists to Ms. Patil’s remarks. Veil and purdah are not the same. The veil is used by a woman to cover her head and face — it can be done even with the edge of a sari or dupatta — for various reasons. She may do so even to protect herself from heat and dust storms during summer. The practice is common among the women of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Unfortunately, various sections advance their own ideas and opinions in the name of "history."

G. Rajeev,
Bangalore

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