J-K school issues apology over ban on Islamic dress

The management of Delhi Public School, Srinagar, on Saturday tendered an apology after allegations of a ban on wearing traditional Islamic dress, abaya, in the school triggered outrage in Kashmir valley.

The management of Delhi Public School, Srinagar, on Saturday tendered an apology after allegations of a ban on wearing traditional Islamic dress, abaya, in the school triggered outrage in Kashmir valley.

The school administration had allegedly asked a teacher to either stop wearing the abaya — a loose, full-length outer garment which covers the whole body except the face, hands and feet — or leave the job. (Representative image)

The apology came a day after the J&K government censured the management of the school for the alleged ban, saying “this is not France”. “Delhi Public School Srinagar management apologises for unintentionally hurting the sentiments of people,” a release by the school read.

The school administration had allegedly asked a teacher to either stop wearing the abaya — a loose, full-length outer garment which covers the whole body except the face, hands and feet — or leave the job. She reportedly got angry and left, prompting protests by students.

The issue had rocked the state assembly on Saturday with Awami Etihad Party (AIP) chief and Langate MLA Engineer Abdul Rashid raising the issue during zero hour. Demanding action against the school, Rashid had charged the school administration of trespassing in one’s faith. In response, education minister Naeem Akhtar had promised to raise the issue with the school management.