Hijab controversy: Bandh in Yadgir and Raichur, but minimal impact in other parts of north Karnataka

Little impact in Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot and Dharwad districts

The statewide bandh called by some Muslim religious leaders against the High Court verdict banning hijab in classrooms received a lukewarm response in northern Karnataka on March 17.

Most offices, schools, colleges and business organisations in Belagavi were open. Some shops in old Belagavi, Azam Nagar, Shahu Nagar, Bauxite road and surrounding areas remained shut.

Police vans were stationed outside schools and colleges as a precautionary measure.

The prohibitory orders issued by Deputy Commissioner M G Hiremath, under CrPC 144, in the district were withdrawn with effect from March 17 noon. Notably, the DC’s order issued on March 14 had mentioned the time period of the restrictions as ‘indefinite’. The lifting of restrictions is being seen as an act of removing hurdles in the way of celebrating Holi.

In Vijayapura, some shops in the old city area, in the areas surrounding the Jama Masjid, and old Durgah Road were closed. But, most shops in the new city were open. Buses, commercial vehicles and private vehicles were running as usual.

Most shops, offices and industries in new Bagalkot remained open while a few offices in the old Bagalkot areas did not open.