The Shiv Sena Wednesday welcomed Sri Lankan government's decision to ban burqa and masks on grounds of national security and asked the Narendra Modi-led regime to follow suit.
In an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana, the Sena asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to follow Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisenas footsteps and ban burqas and other face-covering garments in India considering the threat it poses to the nations security.
The Sena mouthpiece said, "We welcome the decision by the Sri Lankan president. If this can happen in Ravana's Lanka, when will it happen in Ram's Ayodhya," it said.
The editorial said even France, New Zealand, Australia and England have banned burqa. "Why is India lagging behind," it asked.
The editorial said this task (of banning burqa) is as gutsy as the surgical strikes.
"Face masks can prove detrimental in identifying people and the ban was necessary under emergency situation. The Sri Lankan president has shown courage. Modi should follow suit," the editorial said.
Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi hit out at the Sena saying that the fight against terrorism does not entail the dress, but the mindset.
Owaisi said the editorial comes under paid news category and violates the model code of conduct enforced by the Election Commission. The poll body must take note of the matter, he added.
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