NEW DELHI, Apr 14 (PTI): Condemning the ban imposed on 'burqa' in France, Muslim leaders and clerics today said the "undemocratic" move violates basic human rights and appealed to the government to raise the issue with the European nation.
"The veil is an integral part of our religion. Banning it is against the freedom of religion.... The French government's move is undemocratic and against secularism," said a statement issued by prominent Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband.
The joint statement was signed by Darul Uloom's acting Vice Chancellor Maulana Abul Kasmi Banarsi and Deputy Vice Chancellor Abdul Khalique Madrasi.
The clerics also appealed to the government to raise the issue with the French government and press it to withdraw the ban.
France on April 11 became the first country in Europe to implement a ban on the wearing of full-face coverings, including the Islamic 'niqab'.
