In several parts of Karnataka, the state government on Tuesday announced the closure of high schools and colleges for the next three days as there is a raising of issues regarding ‘hijab’.
In a tweet, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said: “I appeal to all the students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony. I have ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate.”
The Karnataka High Court, meanwhile, appealed to the students and people to maintain peace and tranquillity. After hearing the petitions filed by some students, the matter was posted to Wednesday for further hearing. The petitions sought a declaration from the Court that they have a “fundamental right to practice essential religious practices, including wearing of Hijab as per Islamic faith, on the college premises,” the single bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit said. Asking people to have faith in the Indian Constitution, Justice Dixit observed that only some mischievous people were keeping the issue burning. He also pointed out that agitations, sloganeering and students attacking each other were not good.
Reflecting on the issue, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said everyone should follow the dress code in schools and alleged that some politicians and fanatics made it an issue.
Tension prevailed at some educational institutions in Karnataka’s Udupi, Shivamogga, Bagalkote, and other parts over the ‘Hijab’ issue, forcing the police and authorities to intervene.
The issue began in January at a government PU College in Udupi where six students who attended classes wearing headscarves were asked to leave the campus. The matter has now spread to different parts of the state, with Hindu youngsters, backed by right-wing outfits, responding by wearing saffron scarves.
So to calm the issue, the government has declared three days off to all high schools and colleges of the state.
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