Burqa Banned in Ravana's Lanka, Why Not in Ram's Ayodhya: Sena

Mumbai, May 1 (PTI) 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. PTI MR VT VT 05012003 NNNNsion to build a sustainable future for Indian football. We will work together in an educational programme based in Atlético de Madrid values and focused in giving opportunities for the kids."

The collaboration with Tata Trusts will also witness a residential programme in Madrid, Spain, for budding Indian talented players in the age group of 12-14 years.

This will be a long-term training programme, where these players will be coached in the Academia along with the other local Spanish cadets.

The programme will begin with a time-period of three years which could be further extended to 6-8 years.

Twenty candidates will go to Spain in batches in three years. All boarding facilities along with formal education in the top schools where the medium of instruction is English will also be provided to the players in the Atlético de Madrid Academy.

A scouting team from ATM, ably supported by coaches from Tata Trusts and TFA, has already selected 10 boys from various parts of the country for the programme.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)