Hijab row: KKSV urges Governor to intervene in the controversy

Udupi, July 19: The members of Komu Sauharda Vedike staged a protest before Udupi taluk office condemning the move of Ramakunjeshwara Degree College in Ramakunj (Uppinangady) not to allow students wearing headscarf (hijab) to enter college, in Udupi on Wednesday.

Forwarding the memorandum to Governor through Tahsildar, Komu Sauharda Vedike President G Rajashekhar said that the instruction of dress code by the college is entirely against the freedom guaranteed in the Constitution for Indian citizens. Indian Constitution provides the provision for every individual to follow the religion and customs of his or her choice. In this backdrop the dress code introduced by Ramakunjeshwara Degree College is unconstitutional. It violates the citizens' rights. Muslims and Christians are always the victims under unethical rules supported by the state government.

The move of the Governing Council of the college was regressive. Hence, the Governor should intervene and stop the college from implementing its dress code, Mr. Rajashekhar said.

“We cannot expect justice from the state government,” he lamented.

Stating that Pejawar seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji is a person with sick mind, Rajashekar said all these atrocities against minorities may have short term success, however the impact will be long lasting. He urged Mangalore University Chancellor to order the college administration to take back its dress code and to allow Muslim students to attend class with headscarf.

Speaking on the occasion, Wafa Sultana from Girls Islamic Organisation Karkala said Islam does not prohibit the woman from empowering herself, however the hijab is provided to safeguard herself from any sort of molestation. “We are not against uniform, however, we should be allowed to wear hijabs while attending the classes. It is the duty of the teachers to avoid disparities and communal disharmonies within the campus of the college. Teachers should guide students to respect each others religions and customs, they should teach the values of coexistence,” she said.

Leaders of the vedike K. Phaniraj and Dinaker Bengre, DSS leader Jayan Malpe, president of the Vicharawadi Vedike Gopal B. Shetty, member of Jamaat-E-Islami Hind Idris Hoode and Mohammed Markada, leader of Welfare Party of India Anwar Ali Kaup, members of the women's wing of Jamaat-E-Islami Hind Humera Karkala, and Jamila Hoode, president of Girls Islamic Organization of India Mariam Asadi, and writer Hayavadana Moodusagri were present.