Reference the comments on niquab versus burqa, I used the word (burqua) used by the writer in the web journal that ran the image.
Whether use of the descriptive word 'burqa' is based on local usage, or ignorance on the part of the writer, is something that i am unable to answer.
Wikipedia can hardly be considered the final authority on such a matter, but the Wikipedia entry is interesting:
A niqab (/nɪˈkɑːb/; Arabic: نِقاب niqāb , "veil" or "mask"; also called a ruband) is a cloth that covers the face as a part of sartorial hijab. It is worn by some Muslim women in public areas and in front of non-mahram adult males, especially in the Hanbali Muslim faith tradition. The niqab is worn in theArab countries of the Arabian Peninsula such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the UAE. The niqab is also worn in countries such as Somalia,Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh as well as some parts of Palestinian-ruled territories, southern provinces of Iran, and additional areas with sizeable Muslim populations. Because of the wide variety of hijab worn in the Muslim world, it can be difficult to definitively distinguish between one type of veil and another. The terms niqab and burqa are often incorrectly used interchangeably; a niqab covers the face while a burqa covers the whole body from the top of the head to the ground. The Quran instructs Muslim men and women to dress modestly and to guard their private parts. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b
An Australian ABC (government owned) media website illustrates the issue.
Its an issue in Aussie 'red-neck' circles, as it is claimed the full length gown could be used to hide explosives. An interesting matter, as the JWs magazine "Consolation" later re-named as "Awake" made the same claim about Catholic Nuns in the 1930's.
But in goes on to say that:
Why do some Muslim women wear burkas?
The Koran calls for both men and women to 'cover and be modest'.
As with many other religious scriptures, the reference to dress is open to interpretation and has been shaped by centuries of cultures in different nations.
"The Koran does not explicitly say you have to cover yourself in this manner," Dr Ismail said.
"Some scholars argue that it is a religious obligation, particularly the more conservative factions within the Muslim world. There are many variations and interpretations."
Dr Ismail is a Muslim and has been wearing her hijab since she was a child.
"I'm so comfortable wearing it that I can't imagine myself without it. I wear it for cultural reasons, but there are many women who wear it for religious reasons." Reference: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-23/why-do-muslim-women-wear-a-burka-niqab-or-hijab/5761510
However, there is a possibility that burqa rather than niquab is local usage in India, as the closeness of the two cultures surely means some familiarity with local Muslim usage. On the other, since the journal appears use English, it may simply be a translation issue.
