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MUMBAI, INDIA, August 19, 2004: The Western Railways’ verdict is out — no qawwali on its local trains. Qawwalis are the typical Urdu songs of Muslims, mostly sung in chorus. Mumbai’s long-suffering rail commuter had been dreading the introduction of qawwali programs on Central, Western and Harbour line trains from August 15. The proposal had been put forward by Abdul Hameed Sahil, president of the Greater Mumbai Muslim League, and had been awaiting the go-ahead from railway authorities (Mid Day, July 20).



Following the report, the railway commissioner’s office was flooded with calls and letters against the proposal. According to Western Railway PRO Shailendra Kumar, “The public felt very strongly about the qawwali proposal. Also, Railway Board directives clearly state that bhajans or qawwali. So, under no circumstances could we agree to such a proposal.” (HPI adds: In the past there have been groups of Hindus singing bhajan, or sacred songs, who would take over train compartments. See http://www.media-watch.org/articles/0100/38.html)



He added that the railways would take drastic action against anybody trying to defy the directives. According to Western Railway General Manager M. Z. Ansari, anybody found flouting the directive would be fined US$11, and could even be jailed for six months. The police have already taken action against 80 people belonging to bhajan groups on trains. Shameem Shaikh, general secretary of the Greater Mumbai Muslim League, said, “We had gone to the railway commissioner’s office several times to request permission, but were unable to convince them.” Sahil said the League had earlier planned to counter the bhajan mandalis on trains. However, when it faced criticism from various sections of society, the League decided to change tactics and suggested that qawwalis be introduced on trains as well.

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