Lagatar24 Desk
Kundapura, Feb 3: The hijab issue in Karnataka is showing no signs of abating, as girl students wearing hijab or burqa were stopped at the entrance of the Bhandarkars’ College of Kundapur in the state’s Udupi district on Thursday morning.
The Principal of Bhandrakars’ College stopped girl students who came to the college wearing a burqa or hijab at the entrance. The principal informed students that they must attend classes in uniform in accordance with government orders and college policies. The girl students stated that they have been attending college in hijab for a long time and that they should be allowed to do so. However, entrance was refused.
#WATCH | Udupi Hijab row, Karnataka: Students wearing hijab being denied entry at Bhandarkars' College Kundapura pic.twitter.com/JNOqk3LeIx
— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2022
On Wednesday, the administration of Bhandrakars’ College denied permission to pupils wearing saffron shawls to class. At the entry, these groups of students were also halted. Following the students’ chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ a heated situation erupted on campus.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra indicated that the police department has been given orders to begin a probe into the communal forces behind the hijab issue in the state. “The investigation is now in progress. We will not spare any factors that stand in the way of the country’s unification “he stated.
“Naqab, burqa, hijab, saffron or green shawls are not allowed in the classrooms. The minister for Education has already stated that uniforms are compulsory. There should not be any divisive factors in the academic environment. There are mosques, churches and temples for religious practices,” the Home Minister explained. “With these developments, the etiquette of integrity is being challenged,” he said.
Angara, the District In-Charge Minister of Udupi, said that he has just taken charge of the district. “There will be one rule for all schools and colleges. I will discuss the matter with the District Commissioner. The matter will also be discussed with the Education Minister and the Chief Minister. Once I get the details, I will take action,” he stated.
The hijab debate, which started in one institution in Udupi, has now expanded to other colleges across Karnataka, generating anxiety among the department of education, parents, and students. The development is also taking a communal turn, posing a threat to the state’s academic climate.
The state government has formed a high-level committee to consider whether hijab-wearing pupils should be allowed in classrooms. The government has urged pupils to attend lessons in uniform without wearing hijab till the report is submitted. In the Government Girl’s Pre-University College in Udupi, however, Muslim students defied the rule and attempted to attend lessons wearing hijab. They were returned.
Meanwhile, Hindu organisations have said that if Muslim students come in hijab, Hindu students will flaunt saffron shawls.
