Araga Jnanendra, the Home Minister of Karnataka advised students to come to school for education. Schools are educational institutes therefore, there should be no distinction among students on basis of religion. His remarks were in wake of controversy created by Muslim students adamant on wearing Hijab in classes.
He was responding to a question on the Hijab controversy in the state. Some Muslim girls of a Pre-University College in Kundapur of Udupi district are insisting on defying college authorities. They are insisting that wearing Hijab is a part of their religious duty. In wake of this provocation by Islamist mindset, the authorities are showing remarkable restraint and firmness.
According to Islamic theology, Muslim women should cover their bodies. The purpose is to make them look different from non-Muslim women. As a result, they will not be molested. According to Quran:
O Prophet, enjoin your wives and your daughters and the believing women, to draw a part of their outer coverings around them. It is likelier that they will be recognised and not molested.
Quran, Chapter 33, Verse 59. Translated by Abul A’la Al-MaududiAdvertisment
This nuisance seems to be spreading in Karnataka. Muslim students of another college of the district are insisting on wearing Hijab during classes. They are students of Bhandarkar’s College in Udupi district.
About 30 girls showed up at the gate of the college in their Hijab. The Principal of the college made it clear that they need to comply with the dress code of the institute. But, apparently the girls are giving priority to their religious dress over studies. They kept standing in front of the gate of the institute.
Hindus agree to abide by authorities
In response to this attitude of the girls, some Hindu students came to the college wearing Saffron Shawls. They argued that if Muslims can show indiscipline by wearing Hijab, why not Hindu students?
The local MLA, Haladi Srinivas Shetty said that students will have to comply to the dress code of the institute. He is also the chairman of the college development and monitoring committee.
Shetty made it clear that authorities will not permit either Hijab or Saffron shawls. Subsequently, Hindu students agreed to abide by the instructions of the authorities. But, about 30 Muslim girls kept standing outside the gate. They have become a centre of attraction for a section of media.
The principal tried to reason with Muslim students. He told them that the MLA has discussed the issue with their parents. The students must comply with the dress code till the Department comes up with further guidelines. “Till we get further orders from the State Government, you should follow the existing dress code,” the principal told the students.
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 religious organisations who think otherwise, I have asked police to keep a watch on them. We will deal with those who cause hindrance or undermine this country’s unity. Mr Araga Jnanendra
Araga Jnanendra, Home Minister, Karnataka Government
Apparently, he was referring to Campus Federation of India (CFI), a hardline Islamist organisation. CFI has been giving statements in support of girls insisting on wearing Hijab.