Hijab row: Feeling external forces playing role, says Karnataka minister BC Nagesh
India Today
BC Nagesh, Karnataka education minister, alleged that external forces were playing a role in the ongoing hijab controversy. He asked why Pakistan did not speak about the issue when Bombay HC banned hijab in educational institutions.
On Friday, February 11, Karnataka education minister BC Nagesh, in a statement to India Today TV said, “Now I am feeling some external forces behind it. Why did Pakistan not speak when the Bombay HC and Kerala banned hijab in education institutions? No international agency spoke about it then.”
Earlier today, the Supreme Court refused to urgently hear petitions challenging the Karnataka High Court’s order concerning the hijab row that has erupted in the state.
“Don't spread these things to a larger level. Let us see what is the appropriate time for us to interfere,” the Chief Justice of India-led bench said.
On Thursday, the Karnataka High Court had heard petitions filed by Muslim students against restrictions on wearing hijab in educational institutions. The bench decided to hear the matter again on Monday, February 14, and asked students not to wear any religious garments till the matter is pending with the court.
The petitioners challenging the high court’s order said in the Supreme Court, “This has far-reaching implications not only for Muslims. Sikhs also wear turbans. This is, in effect, a complete suspension of Article 25.”
The controversy over hijab (headscarf) in Karnataka began on January 1, 2022, when Muslim schoolgirls at Udupi Women's Pre-University college were not allowed to enter as they were wearing hijabs.
Since then, multiple incidents have taken place all over Karnataka where Muslim girls have come to classes wearing hijabs and Hindu students began wearing saffron shawls as a sign of protest. The clashes turned violent earlier this week and schools and colleges across the state were ordered to close down for three days.
