Discussants at a meeting have demanded that the government enact laws against fatwabazi. Against the backdrop of a discernible strong current of this form of religious extremism, It is a pre-rlariottr- fOoubt A deeper took Into the matter, however, will show such laws against fatwabazi may be necessary but are not going to be enough for fighting this malaise. What are the ways of implementing the laws? If the laws favour a victim of fatwabazi, it is definitely going to act as a deterrent but there is no guarantee that it will effectively bring an end to the problem.

Better fight it on the social front. Society is getting restive— thanks to a remarkable process of awakening that has of late come about among women, particularly in the lower segment of society. The religious fundamentalists and others feel threatened. They are exhibiting their aggression from an exaggerated sense of their diminishing influence and interests. The reason behind their intolerance is this. They want to keep society perpetually chained to dogmas because that is what serves them best. And no doubt, they target the vulnerable ones.

So, it is up to our society to arm Itself against the rising trend of fatwabazi. Educated people must join hands with the target groups to fight the extremists both on the theological and society's practical planes. A social movement has to be launched against this religious obscurantism and social me-diaevallsm. Women at the grassroots level are gradually being aware of their rights and potential through their increasing familiarity with the harsh economic realities. That they are coming out of homes in a growing number for a living is a good sign. If planfully organised, they have the potential to change society by banishing religious extremism and conservatism from the country 's soil.