It is no doubt the worst form of gender discrimination. Though women are yet to have all their rights established, it is really surprising that some religious fanatics could go to the extent of making an attempt to deny them a right to buy things for themselves.

Who has given them the authority to impose that kind of a ban? How could they have the temerity to act as the self-appointed guardian of the society? They are reported to have cited prevention of 'anti-social activities' as the reason for their edict. Well, it is the duty of the law enforcers to protect women from indecent behaviour by any quarters whatsoever. It is the police who are entrusted with the job of keeping anti-social elements at bay. So, who are they to obstruct free movement of women? They are not only undermining the status of women but also taking the law into their own hands. They are also defying the local authority. Without question, the obscurantists now feel confident enough to impose their tyrannical interpretation of religion on others.

We are happy to learn that the local police are now investigating the matter. They should bring the culprits to book and take stern action against them. The point that must not be missed here is that the tentacles of religious bigotry will grow longer and longer, unless any new dimension to it is nipped in the bud. This is a form of extremism that must be severely dealt with.