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refer to an article titled “France gets new leader, Europe new direction,” (The Jakarta Post Online, Associated Press, May 7).

The previous remarks by the France President Nicolas Sarkozy regarding veils has hurt the religious sentiments of people not only in France but many but also people around the world.

The issue of burkhas has kept suspicious questions in the minds of the people. From time to time, Sarkozy made anti-Islamic remarks to get attraction and popularity. But people have rejected his false allegations against Islam and have shown him the proper place.

Nicolas Sarkozy was defeated on Sunday in France’s presidential elections by Socialist challenger François Hollande.

According to Sarkozy, burkhas or veils would stigmatize Muslim people in France and he said he would support banning such garments from being worn in public.

What is Sarkozy’s opinion about those naked people who wander on streets and do catwalks in and out of France during World Cup soccer matches or any other grand function when many men and women romp naked with jubilation to celebrate their victory?

 Why does a person like Sarkozy appreciate such brazen acts, which display some horrible and extraordinarily unwanted things? If this is their culture, than veils are also part of the culture of Islam. Our sisters in France should prefer wearing veils to prevent our historical legacy from being forgotten.

Every person in this world is born free and has the tendency to choose his or her attire. The French parliament itself has differences over this issue. Immigration Minister Eric Besson says that a full or complete ban on veils would just create tension in the society. A ceil is an Islamic tradition carried on for ages.

How can we put restrictions or bans on such garments? It has a great attachment with Islam and is part and parcel of every Islamic woman.

There are more important issues in France than veils. Such remarks will just disturb peace and order not only in France, but also abroad.

We request that Sarkozy reconsider such statements and not play games with the sentiments of Muslim people around the world. Veils are not evil.

Liyakat Shah
India