Hijab ban: J&K’s political parties call verdict decision ‘deeply disappointing’

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, have reacted strongly to the judgement of Karnataka high court that “hijab is not essential part of Islam” and termed the upholding of ban on hijab in schools as disappointing

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, have reacted strongly to the judgement of Karnataka high court that “hijab is not essential part of Islam” and termed the upholding of ban on hijab in schools as disappointing.

In its verdict, the Karnataka HC on Tuesday ruled that hijab is not an essential part of Islam, in a way underlining the state government’s restriction on the use of the head scarf by Muslim girls and women in educational institutions. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In its verdict, the Karnataka HC on Tuesday ruled that hijab is not an essential part of Islam, in a way underlining the state government’s restriction on the use of the head scarf by Muslim girls and women in educational institutions. “Karnataka HC’s decision to uphold the Hijab ban is deeply disappointing. On one hand, we talk about empowering women, yet we are denying them the right to a simple choice. Its isn’t just about religion, but the freedom to choose,” tweeted former J&K chief minister and the PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti soon after the court verdict was out

Meanwhile, Omar said that the court didn’t uphold the basic right. “Very disappointed by the verdict of the Karnataka High Court. Regardless of what you may think about the hijab, it’s not about an item of clothing, it’s about the right of a woman to choose how she wants to dress. That the court didn’t uphold this basic right is a travesty,” he tweeted.

Peoples Conference, which is led by Sajjad Lone said in a tweet that this decision will further add to growing alienation.