Karnataka schools and colleges to remain shut for 3 days amid hijab row
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Students wearing hijab sit outside their school as the school authorities denied entry for wearing a hijab or scarf in Karnataka's Kundapura of Udupi district, on 4 February 2022 | PTI
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said that all high schools and colleges in the state will remain shut for the next three days amid the row over wearing hijab by students.
In a tweet, Bommai tweeted "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."
The Karnataka High Court is hearing petitions filed by five women from a government college in Udupi, questioning hijab restrictions.
The high court, which heard the matter today, will continue the hearing tomorrow. The court also asked students and the public at large to maintain peace. "This court has full faith in the wisdom and virtue of public at large and it hopes that the same would be put to practice," Justice Dixit Krishna Shripad said.
The issue began in January at a government PU College in Udupi where six students who attended classes wearing headscarves were asked to leave the campus. The matter has now spread to different parts of the state, with Hindu youngsters, backed by right-wing outfits, responding by wearing saffron scarves.
Students wearing saffron scarves are also being barred from classes.