K'taka: Muslim students barred entry in hijab, minister says keep religion away | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Karnataka: Muslim students barred entry in hijab, minister says keep religion away

By, New Delhi
Feb 03, 2022 08:29 PM IST

Karnataka home minister Araga Jnanendra also asked police to keep a watch on religious organisations that are trying to undermine the country's unity over the issue.

Religion should be kept away from education and students should neither come wearing hijab or saffron shawls to schools, said Karnataka home minister Araga Jnanendra. The home minister’s statement came in the wake of a major controversy erupting in different parts of the state over the wearing of hijab (headscarf) by Muslim girls to educational institutes.

Representational image.(Shutterstock Photo)
Representational image.(Shutterstock Photo)

Jnanendra also asked police to keep a watch on religious organisations that are trying to undermine the country's unity over the issue. He further said no one should come to school to practise their religion as this is where all students should learn together with a feeling of oneness.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to a PTI report, Muslim girls of the government pre-university college at Kundapur in Udupi district, who reached the institution wearing ‘hijab’ (headscarf) were stopped at the gate by the college principal during the day. The principal informed the students that they are not allowed to wear hijab inside the classrooms and asked them to remove the head dress and enter classes.

Also read | Karnataka: Student moves HC against ban on hijab in govt college

When the students argued that the government order on status quo has not mentioned the Kundapur college, the principal told them the government circular applies throughout the state.

A day ago, the campus had turned tense after about 100 Hindu boys came to classes wearing saffron shawls to protest against the girls’ wearing hijabs inside classrooms. They, however, did not repeat their protest on Thursday.

Later, Kundapur MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty spoke to the Muslim girls and their parents, but the latter continued to insist on the right to wear hijabs. State fisheries minister and Udupi district-in-charge S Angara said the status quo ordered by the state government disallowing hijabs inside classrooms will continue till a committee appointed to study the issue submits its report.

Jnanendra said, "Schools are the place where children belonging to all religions should learn together and imbibe a feeling that we are not different, and all are children of Bharat Mata."

There are places like churches, mosques and temples for people to freely practise their religion and offer prayers, while at schools there should be an academic atmosphere for children to develop a culture of national unity and integrity. Calling on everyone to think in this direction, he said, "There are religious organisations who think otherwise, I have asked police to keep a watch on them. Those who cause hindrance or undermine this country's unity, they have to be dealt with," he said.

Responding to a question about Hindu students wearing saffron shawls as a retaliatory move, Jnanendra said no one should come to school for practicing their religion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On