Fatwa Against First Muslim Woman Candidate From Manipur; Maulvis Seek To Deny Her Burial Space

Najima Phundreimayum, popularly called Najima Bibi, who is the first Muslim woman to contest elections from Manipur, is facing threats from religious extremists.

Maulvis have issued a fatwa against Najima Bibi by denying her a kabr, or burial space, in the the event of her death. She has also reportedly been warned that anyone found supporting or talking to her would meet with the same fate.

Although no specific reason for the fatwa was cited, it’s believed that her decision to contest the Wabagai assembly seat may have irked the clerics.

Najima, a Muslim woman entrepreneur, is a candidate from Irom Sharmila’s Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), which is contesting 10 seats in Manipur. She has been a social activist for 15 years, and now wishes to enter the political arena by contesting in the upcoming Manipur assembly election.

Although such a fatwa would elicit shock from the average person, Najima herself is no stranger to fatwas against her. For instance, back in 2006, clerics had issued a fatwa banning her from using the local pond for water. At the time, however, she had defied the fatwa and drawn water from the pond. If that is any indication of Najima’s strong will, the latest fatwa is not likely to deter her from her ambition.