Karnataka: Students in hijab demanding college entry booked

On Thursday, the police stopped the students from entering the college and told that they would be allowed entry only if they removed their hijab. Some of the students, however, demanded answers from college authorities about why they were not being allowed inside.

According to the principal’s complaint, 10-15 students wearing hijab demanded entry into the college, and “disrupted” routine activities of the college.

The police had imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 within 200 metres of the college campus as a preventive measure. Tumakuru SP Rahul Kumar Shahapurwad was unavailable for comments.

Meanwhile, the Mahatma Gandhi MemorialCollege in Udupi, which had witnessed slogan-shouting between separate groups of students over the hijab row, reopened on Friday after remaining closed for 10 days. The college was reopened amid tight police security as practical examinations were scheduled for pre-university students, authorities said. Students wearing head scarfs and hijab were not allowed inside the campus.

Similar incidents of students in hijab being denied entry to colleges were reported in Kodagu, Chitradurga, Bengaluru and other parts.

The opposition Congress hit out at the Sangh Parivar. Addressing the media along with party’s state unit president D K Shivakumar, former chief minister Siddaramaiah said,“The percentage of Muslim girls attending schools and colleges was very low earlier, but many are showing interest in education recently. The Sangha Parivar is conspiring to deny education to Muslim girls by raking up the issue.”

Heat over flag remarks

The Karnataka Assembly was adjourned till Monday after Congress leaders continued their demand for resignation of state minister K S Eshwarappa over his statement on the national flag. The Congress MLAs decided to stay in the House till Monday morning, saying they will continue their protest till Eshwarappa is sacked. Eshwarappa had said saffron flag may become national flag in the future but Tricolour should be respected by everyone as it is the national flag now.