Colombo: In the aftermath of the worst terror attack on the Sri Lankan soil in which the death toll has risen to 359 and whose responsibility was taken by the Islamic State, the government is now considering to impose a burqa ban.
A Sri Lankan government source told Daily Mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders. The issue has also been discussed with President Maithripala Sirisena.
The newspaper quoting Sri Lankan defence source said several female accomplices involved in Dematagoda attack had escaped wearing burqas. Several firearms were discovered in Dematagoda, a suburb of Colombo in the aftermath of Sunday’s terror attack.
Meanwhile, an MP of ruling United National Party (UNP), Ashu Marasinghe introduced a private member’s motion in the Sri Lankan parliament calling for a ban on burqa. He was quoted by local media as saying, “I propose that a ban be imposed on wearing of the burqa based on the national security requirement of the country”.
While saying that Burqa was not a traditional Muslim costume recommended by Islam, he said,” Our move has the blessings of Islamic scholars”.
UNP MP Mujibur Rahman has said he would support the proposed ban. He said, “My wife doesn’t wear the Burqa and I don’t plan to make my children wear it either. In the coming days, Muslim religious groups will make a statement on this”.
Notably, a string of eight powerful blasts, including suicide attacks, struck churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. A total of 359 were killed in the attack. On Tuesday, Islamist extremist group National Thowheed Jamath, which has links with the Islamic state claimed responsibility for the attack.
(With inputs from Zee News reporter Sidhant Sibal)