Hijab Row Intensifies: Karnataka CM orders closure of schools, colleges for next 3 days

NEW DELHI: As protest for and against the ‘hijab’ intensified in Karnataka, the chief minister Basavaraj S Bommai ordered closure of schools, colleges in the state for the next three days. He also appealed to students and people to maintain peace.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "I appeal to all the students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony. I have ordered closure of all high schools and colleges for next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate."

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The Karnataka High Court will resume hearing the petition of the government pre-university college students in Udupi district seeking permission to wear hijab tomorrow at 2.30 pm. The apex court also requested the student community and the public at large to maintain peace and tranquility.

I appeal to all the students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of karnataka to maintain peace and harmony. I have ordered closure of all high schools and colleges for next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate.

— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) February 8, 2022

"We're awaiting directions from Karnataka High Court. I've directed school administrations to see there're no clashes between students. Appeal to all concerned persons from outside not to make provocative statements," Karnataka CM further said on hijab row.

An air of tension prevailed at the MGM college at Manipal in Udupi after two groups of students wearing hijabs and saffron shawls raised slogans against each other on the campus on Tuesday. A group of girl students of the college wearing burqas and hijab entered the college and held a protest in the premises raising slogans in favour of the right to wear headscarves.

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Boys and girls wearing saffron shawls also came to the college and raised slogans in retaliation. The college gate was locked by the staff, while both groups of students waited near the gate. College principal Devidas Nayak and the teaching staff tried to convince the students, but both sides refused to relent.

A large posse of the policemen are present at the spot. The student groups are raising slogans like ‘we want justice’ and ‘Vande Mataram.’