Samastha reiterates its stance, says young girls should not be allowed on stage

Samastha Kerala Jem’iyyathul Ulema on Saturday reiterated the stance that young girls shall not be invited to public stages.

“Samastha is a religious organisation. Therefore, we consider matters within the framework of religion. The child was not insulted. The remark was made after it was realised that girl was acting shy in presence of eminent scholars on the stage,” Samstha president Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal said.

The leader claimed that Samastha is an organization that gives girls the respect and dignity they deserve. Certificates have been issued and students were honoured in the past as well. He said that there are some benefits to not bringing older girls into the stage for the public eye.

“Samastha does not have a policy that allows women and men on equal footing. Besides, Samastha gives them all kinds of respect and support. No one has the right to say that we need to change,” he added.

Samastha leader MT Abdulla Musaliyar had earlier scolded the programme organisers in Perinthalmanna for inviting a school student to the stage to receive a certificate. He also objected to inviting girl students to the stage to receive a certificate and asked to invite the parents instead.