Karnataka Government order to shut schools and colleges for 3 days amid hijab row

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Karnataka Hijab Row
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1 The matter is now in Karnataka High Court
2 How did the Hijab row start in Karnataka?

Amid the intensified protest over the “Hijab” row in Karnataka, the Chief Minister of the state has announced the closure of high schools and colleges for the next three days. CM Basavaraj S Bommai has tweeted that he had ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days. He also appealed to all the students, teachers, and management of schools and colleges to maintain peace and harmony.

Earlier few districts of Karnataka are witnessing heavy and intensified protests and clashes between Hindu and Muslim students. There are numerous demonstrations for and against hijab (headscarves) that have been taking place in different colleges in the state for the past few days.  Educational Institutions in Shivamogga, Udupi, and Bagalkote have witnessed heavy escalating protests. The intensity was so high that Police and administration had to intervene to stop the further escalation.

The matter is now in Karnataka High Court

The High Court of Karnataka has posted the matter for Wednesday. High Court has urged the students and people to maintain peace and tranquility in the state. The petitions were filed by some students of Udupi Government Pre-University College for girls. “This court requests the students and the public to maintain peace and tranquility. This Court has full faith in the wisdom and virtue of public at large and hopes that the same would be put to practice,” the single bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit said. 

How did the Hijab row start in Karnataka?

Last month, six Muslim girls (from Class 12) of Government Pre-university college in Udupi district (coastal Karnataka) were banned from entering college wearing hijab. This news spread in other colleges and districts in the state. Many right-wing students responded with saffron shawls and massive protests against hijab-clad Muslim girls. However, similar to Hijab-clad Muslim girls, Hindu students wearing saffron shawls were barred, classes.

This has raised debate whether educational institutions can impose a strict dress code that can interfere with the religious rights of students. This issue has taken political color as ruling Party BJP has come in support of saffron-clad boys and against the hijab-clad Muslim girls.

3 thoughts on “Karnataka Government order to shut schools and colleges for 3 days amid hijab row”

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