Globiscope
New Delhi: Amnesty International and several Indian political leaders have strongly condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he forcibly removed the hijab of a newly recruited Muslim doctor during an official event.
Incident Sparks Nationwide Outrage
The incident took place at the Bihar Chief Minister’s Secretariat during a ceremony where appointment letters were being distributed to newly recruited doctors.
During the event, Nitish Kumar pulled down the hijab of Nusrat Parveen, a Muslim doctor. The act was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media.
As a result, the incident triggered widespread outrage across India and beyond.
Amnesty Calls Act an Assault on Dignity
Amnesty International described the incident as a serious violation of human dignity.
Aakar Patel, Chair of Amnesty International India, said the act was an “assault on the woman’s dignity, autonomy, and identity.”
He added that when a public official behaves this way, it sends a dangerous message that such actions are acceptable.
Moreover, Patel stressed that no individual has the right to police a woman’s faith or clothing.
Rights Groups Demand Accountability
According to Amnesty, such actions deepen fear, normalise discrimination, and erode the foundations of equality and religious freedom.
The organisation demanded unequivocal condemnation and accountability. It also urged authorities to ensure that no woman faces such degrading treatment in the future.
Political Leaders React Strongly
The incident drew sharp criticism from political leaders, journalists, and human rights activists.
The Congress party called the act “unforgivable” and demanded strict action.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said Nitish Kumar should resign immediately.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav described the act as “shameful.”
Journalist Mohammad Zubair questioned the CM’s judgment, saying the act would not have occurred if he were fully conscious.
Concerns Over Rising Hate Crimes
Human rights activists also linked the incident to rising intolerance in India.
Academic Ashok Swain stated that Islamophobia has received unofficial approval under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Activist Deepika Pushkar Nath labelled the incident a clear case of sexual harassment.
International Scrutiny on India
Meanwhile, international concern over religious freedom in India continues to grow.
Last month, a US report recommended designating India as a “country of special concern” due to serious violations of religious freedom.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom highlighted discrimination against minorities and criticised policies linked to the BJP and RSS ideology.
The report stated that Hindu nationalism has increasingly marginalised Muslims and other religious minorities.
Conclusion
The incident involving Bihar’s chief minister has intensified debate over religious freedom, women’s rights, and accountability of public officials in India.
As pressure mounts, calls for justice and institutional reform continue to grow.
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Amnesty International on Human Rights
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