Haji Ali row: Trupti Desai asks Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir Khan to lend support for women's entry

Set to enter Mumbai's Haji Ali Dargah to break the gender barrier disallowing women's entry, Bhumata Brigade activist Trupti Desai on Thursday asked Bollywood actors Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan to lend support to their cause, which is aimed at eradicating differential treatment meted out to women at religious places.

"I think Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan should state their stand on what we are trying to achieve here, on our cause... That way I believe that their fan following will join us and support us in our fight for equality," she told ANI.

Barricades set up around Haji Ali Dargah (Mumbai), Trupti Desai & Bhumata Brigade to hold a peaceful protest there. pic.twitter.com/9pgekuWFAj

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 28, 2016

On Saturday, Shiv Sena leader Haji Arafat said he would not allow her to touch the mazar-e-sharif at the Hazi Ali Dargah. Arafat, who joined the Shiv Sena after leaving the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in 2014, said that the attempt by Desai to enter the Haji Ali Dargah is a conspiracy meant to disturb Mumbai's peaceful environment.

If she tries to enter Haji Ali Dargah forcefullty we will smear black ink on her: Haji Rafat Hussain on Trupti Desai pic.twitter.com/vnlTXOfJEr

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 28, 2016

On April 20, 'Haji Ali for All' Forum was launched by Desai along with several activists, NGOs and social groups to fight for entry of women to the shrine.

The Maharashtra Government had in February supported the entry of women to the Haji Ali Dargah. The government had told the Bombay High Court that the entry of women cannot be prohibited.