Because the modern world is “un-Islamic.”

Lucknow, Dec 3: Issuing a shocking fatwa, a Muslim cleric asked villagers in Uttar Pradesh to boycott polio campaigns and schools in the locality. In the fatwa, the cleric claimed that polio campaigns put new-born babies in danger.

The fatwa has been issued in at least 30 Muslim dominated villages in Sambhal district. According to media reports, the cleric, by issuing the fatwa, has been trying to pressurise the state government to make their villages part of the adjoining Moradabad district.

A fine of Rs 500 will be slapped against those who will disobey the fatwa, threatened the cleric. Nearly 10 villages saw a total boycott while others witnessed a partial boycott of polio campaign on Nov 24, said a report.

Meanwhile, poor people of the locality have stopped sending their children to schools. Teachers of the schools have also been threatened to face consequences if they take classes. Media reports quoted villagers who supported the cause of the fatwa. They said Moradabad is very near to their village as compared to Bahjoi, the headquarters of Sambhal district, which is about 70 km away.