Vidyadhar wrote: "To take another example, in Pune and Bangalore, cities with high levels of automobile pollution, it is common to see women driving two-wheelers with dupattas and scarves wrapped round their faces. Is this not a security risk? -- for that matter is not a full-face helmet a security risk, let us not forget that ex-COS Arun Vaidya was assassinated by motorcycle-borne assailants in Pune. But I have yet to see calls for banning such face coverings."
These would be security risk only if the person is stopped and refuses to show his/her face for the purpose of identity. In case, of the veil, I understand that it is the contention that the veil cannot be taken off in public at all times. Vidyadhar suggests that this problem can be overcome by having policewomen doing the checking. This may not always be practical particularly since the policeman/woman often go out singly. In which case, the woman in the veil will have to be taken to the nearest police station where a woman is present, and the identity can be established. Incidentally, a friend of mine is in France on a short term IT assignment, nothing big. He said that he has not heard anything about the French Socialist Party candidate making a statement about banning the saree. He thinks that the report is a little suspect, because it would otherwise have made a big news in France, where the Socialist Party has just concluded an election to chose their presidential candidate. Is there anyone on this list who can throw some light? Sachin Phadte. _________________________________________________________________ Eat well and eat right. Get tips on nutrition from Naini Setalvad http://content.msn.co.in/Lifestyle/AskExpert/Default07.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006 For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
