On February 3, Government Pre University College in Kundapur district of Udupi, Karnataka stopped over 20 girls from entering college campus. All the students were wearing a hijab; a piece of clothing that is wrapped on the head by many Muslim women.
The girls got upset and reminded them that their exams are close. They requested the teachers to allow them to enter in college. But teachers did not consider their request and did not let them enter. Other students were entering the campus at that time. The video surfaced online and it has caused unrest among people.
College suddenly had decided to deny entry to students wearing hijab. In the video a girl was heard saying that all Muslim girls have been wearing hijab for so long but it never became an issue for the administration. Many educational institutions in Karnataka followed the same and denied entry to students. These institutions never had problem but suddenly it has become a problem crucial to them.
Constitution of India guarantees right to freedom of religion; it is a fundamental right. For these girls it is a piece of their religion and they have right to wear it.
On Wednesday a group of students wore saffron shawl to the college campus in Kundapur. This prompted the college authorities to call a meeting with parents and Halady Srinivas Shetty, BJP MLA of Kundapur. Parents raised their voices saying banning students wearing hijab is not the solution to deal with saffron scarf.
Also read:
One Digital ID: Government To Link Aadhar, PAN, Passport
‘Wearing a hijab is an Islamic rule’ said a parent. He added, “till the government is deciding on the matter our girls should be allowed to go to college wearing hijab. Another parent said that we do not stop our children from going to college when Hindu festivals are celebrated. He said, “We have not opposed anything. On those days, we didn’t say you are Muslim and don’t go there because there is Onam or Holi that day.”
What Government Is Deciding?
MLA Haladay Srinivas Shetty had told to media that a decision was taken to bar students wearing hijab and saffron scarf to college. He said, “Earlier, there were few students wearing the hijab but now a lot of students in a group were wearing the hijab. Yesterday, there was also a group of students wearing saffron shawls in this college. There is a government order asking for the status quo to be maintained till the expert committee discusses the issue. So, the principal has asked the students wearing hijab to go back.”
ABVP held protests in many districts of Karnataka for banning saffron scarf in college. But students of Kundapur College have to say that if saffron scarf is compulsory for Hindu religion then allow them. It is compulsory in Muslim religion to wear a hijab.
