Karnataka CM blames ‘outside forces’ for hijab row

Home Minister says ‘extremist forces’ are responsible for clashes on campuses

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai blamed ‘outside forces’ for creating confusion in schools and colleges over the hijab controversy in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said everyone has to follow the High Court’s interim order on wearing uniforms in schools and colleges. But “there are outsiders getting involved. That is why there is so much confusion,” he said. However, he did not name who the ‘outsiders’ were.

Replying to a question, Mr. Bommai said he would get detailed information on incidents where FIRs have been registered against students and on the incident related to denial of entry to a male student wearing tilak on the forehead.

“If outside forces do not interfere, then the management of educational institutions, principals, teachers, guardians, and students will resolve issues peacefully. Earlier too, several cases were resolved locally,” Mr. Bommai said.

At Kalaburagi, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra alleged that ‘extremist forces’ were behind the clashes that erupted in parts of Karnataka over hijab. He warned that the government would deal with those sowing seeds of hatred of religion in young minds with an iron hand.

Mr. Jnanendra said that forces provoking and misleading students have been strictly warned to stay away from educational institutions. “Prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed around colleges. Legal action is being taken against those violating the prohibitory orders. We are following the interim order of the High Court and waiting the final judgement,” he added.

“Uniform is a symbol of equality. Educational institutions are the centres to teach culture where one cannot exhibit his/her religious practices,” Mr. Jnanendra said.

Replying to a question, Mr. Jnanendra said that the government cannot be a mute spectator when the situation is going out of control. A few legislators belonging to the minority community had appealed for a probe into the row, the Minister said.