Hangal, Oct 27 (DHNS): Muslim girls studying at Sri Kumareshwara Arts and Commerce College here are in a bind as a section of students are demanding a ban on girls attending the college in ‘burqa.’

These hapless girl students would cut short their studies if their college bans burqa, heeding to the demand by a section of students.

The girls, who spoke to DH on condition of anonymity, said they had limited options as they have to mandatorily wear burqa as per their religious tradition. “Our parents will not send us to college if we do not wear burqa. Therefore, we should be allowed to attend classes with burqa else we will have to discontinue our studies,” they say. The girls say that they wear burqa over the college uniform and hence non-Muslim students need not suspect them of not wearing the uniform. “We have no qualms if the college initiates action against us for not wearing uniform,” they say. The Muslim girls of B R Tambakada college in Hirekerur and Bellada Government First Grade college in Akki Alur echo similar opinion.

The row over dress code has driven a wedge among students as well. They are now divided on communal lines. Students who want “common uniform” say they would attend college in colourful attire if Muslim girls were allowed to attend classes in burqa. A lecturer said that the girls were not heeding the suggestion to remove burqa once they reach the college. “Tackling this sensitive issued has become a huge challenge,” the lecturer said.

Tirumale, Superintendent of Kumareshwara College, said that it had been 30 years since the institution started functioning and there was no disharmony among students all these years.

Shivakumar Pyatar, taluk pramukh of the RSS, said that the government does not make any caste-based discrimination while providing uniform for school students. He said all students should comply with the directive on uniform.