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Islamic Front head Umar Abdullah says the use of a hijab by bandits in a recent robbery at the Gasparillo Mall was a total disrespect to members of the Islamic community.
In a video of the incident which was posted on social media, a man dressed in a hijab and another man dressed in a construction uniform were seen robbing a jewellery store at the mall.
In an interview yesterday, Abdullah said it was a total disrespect to the Muslims and their dress code, which brings into question the lack of religious tolerance.
“This was totally unacceptable. If someone take the flag and disrespect it, we know how we would react. No religious symbols should be disrespected,” Abdullah said.
He gave the recent example of on-the-job trainee Nafisah Nakhid, who was barred from an opportunity to train at the Lakshmi Girls Hindu College because she wears a hijab.
“In all these incidents it shows a disrespect and lack of religious tolerance in this country. To think a man or woman to use the dress code and do a robbery. It will put the state on alert on people wearing that clothing now. Our sisters are now targeted by state officials and the police,” he said.
He said although the men were committing a crime there must still be a code where religion was concerned.
“There must be some code of ethics, it’s best you don’t exist because everything we do there is a line. Bandits crossing every line and not fearing anything and this says a lot about our state and what it has become. It is a clear indication of a failed state,” he said.
Abdullah said he hoped members of the Police Service make an arrest soon.
“I want to state clearly that is a total disrespect on Islam, Muslims and an attack on our dear beloved prophet. That in a sense is a symbol of Islam not just a symbol of Muslims but the divine laws and a way of life that was given to us as Muslims and I am calling on the authorities to make haste and arrest and prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law.”
Southern Division officers said yesterday they had not made any arrests in connection with the robbery.