MYSURU/KARWAR: Karnataka primary and secondary education minister BC Nagesh on Sunday alleged “hidden hands” were behind the hijab controversy as attempts are on to make it international news. “All these years, this problem was not reported in any college. Students were attending classes by following uniform-related rules. In December, some members of religious organisations started sowing the seeds of poison by brainwashing young minds. Though a majority of students didn’t listen, a few fell prey,” the minister alleged.
Like military, rules have to be followed in institutions too’
He cited the example of Udupi government PU college where only six the 92 Muslim students want to attend classes wearing hijab.
“Students unwilling to adhere to the uniform code are at liberty to explore other options. Just as rules are followed in the military, the same is to be done here (in educational institutions) as well,” the minister said. The minister said the government issued a fresh circular to clarify the government’s stand that uniforms prescribed by school management committees before the academic year should be continued till the high court’s verdict is delivered.
“Till then, we will not allow students wearing hijab to enter campuses,” Nagesh said.
The high court on February 8 will hear the petitions filed by girls studying in a government PU college in Udupi, questioning hijab restriction in college. Ravi slams Congress CT Ravi, BJP national general secretary, said in Karwar that the state government will not allow the hidden agenda of external forces who are trying to divide the country on religious lines by raking up the issue of hijab in schools and colleges. “The hijab row is not only the symbol of oppression of Muslim women but also of religious fanaticism,” he added.
“The government has implemented dress code in schools and colleges, and all students are bound to follow it. Those who do not want to follow it should look for an alternative,” he said. He slammed the Congress for supporting these divisive forces, who are trying to vitiate the academic atmosphere.
