INCIDENT INVOLVING THE CHIEF MINISTER OF BIHAR PULLING A WOMAN’S HIJAB IS STRONGLY CONDEMNED.

Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations) – MAPIM
Space U8 , Eco Mall , Bukit Jelutong , Shah Alam , Selangor Malaysia
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MAPIM STATEMENT
21st December 2025

INCIDENT INVOLVING THE CHIEF MINISTER OF BIHAR PULLING A WOMAN’S HIJAB IS STRONGLY CONDEMNED.

Kuala Lumpur | For Immediate Release

The MAPIM strongly condemns the reported incident involving the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, who was seen pulling a woman’s hijab during a public interaction.

Such an act is deeply disrespectful, unacceptable, and constitutes a clear violation of personal dignity, religious freedom, and women’s rights. The hijab is not a mere piece of clothing. It is a religious symbol, an expression of faith, and a matter of personal conscience protected under fundamental human rights norms.

MAPIM stresses that no political authority, regardless of rank or position, has the right to touch, remove, or interfere with a woman’s religious attire. Acts of this nature reinforce a climate of humiliation and marginalisation faced by Muslim women, particularly in contexts where Islamophobia and discrimination are already widespread.

This incident reflects a broader and worrying pattern of normalisation of disrespect toward Muslim identity in India, especially against women who visibly practise their faith. Such behaviour undermines constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and erodes social harmony in a multi-religious society.

MAPIM calls for:

• A clear and public explanation from the Chief Minister
• A formal apology to the woman concerned and the Muslim community
• Concrete assurances that such conduct will not be repeated
• Stronger protection of religious freedom and women’s dignity

MAPIM also urges Indian civil society, human rights institutions, and the international community to speak out firmly against all forms of religious humiliation and gender-based disrespect.

Respect for human dignity is non-negotiable.
Religious freedom is not optional.
Silence in the face of such acts only emboldens further violations.

MAPIM stands in solidarity with Muslim women in India and reaffirms its commitment to defending dignity, faith, and fundamental human rights everywhere.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President
Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM)