(LETTER): It is discouraging to read that Mr. Jamil Siddiqui’s letter in support of Baji Rashida Latifi’s ‘Shariat Bill’ has been bitterly criticised and much resentment shown by some of your correspondents in the light of religion. It has always been customary with orthodox men to create obstacles and to take refuge [behind] religion when the question of equality of women’s rights and their equal status with men comes [up].

Women’s striving for progress and their sentiments for equality with men have always met with bitter opposition and utter disregard in the hands of their ‘masters’. Even if the liberal-minded men whom we call social reformers come forward boldly and take up the work of reforms, they are pushed back by the more orthodox elements and obstacles are created in the name of religion. Religion has preached the great lesson of woman’s equality of status and rights with men but she has been deprived of it up till now due to her subjection to man and her own ignorance. Now she has come to realise her worth and she cannot be kept in bondage any more.

Yours etc., Miss Shamima Sultan Lucknow (Dawn, Delhi)