Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 2: The Hijab - shawl controversy has now spread its wings to Kundapur. Despite one and a half months of negotiations and deliberations with the students of Udupi Government Girls PU college fighting for Hijab, the issue remains resolved and is catapulting into a communal broil.
Today, the Hindu students of Kundapur junior college wore saffron shawls countering the Muslim students wearing Hijab.
Praveen Yakshimat, Hindu Jagarana Vedike
Ansar Ahmed, social worker
Commenting on the ongoing situation, Praveen Yakshimutt of Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) said, "These students are trying to demand their rights by wearing Hijab in different government colleges. If you think HJV has created the saffron shawl movement as a counter against Hijab, it is completely wrong. Our nation is a democratic country made up of people from various groups. If every group starts to demand their religious rights, the nation will face anarchy. Even we Hindus know how to demand our rights. But we should follow our duties as well. If others start to demand their rights inside the educational institutions, the Hindu Jagarana Vedike is also ready to fight this in various ways. If 'you' try to create an Islamic state, HJV will counter this as well. The government should immediately interfere and provide equal justice to all communities" he said.
Commenting on the happenings, Ansar Ahmed, a social worker said, "Udupi government Girls PU college Hijab issue is getting tougher day by day. What's the use of wearing Hijab or saffron shawl in schools and colleges? Students come to college to study. If the students want to wear Hijab, let them go to those schools and colleges which allow them to do so. Simply don't create nuisance in the society. I request the government to interfere immediately in this matter and resolve it. If the social harmony is disturbed due to these incidents all those who supported the issue directly or indirectly should be booked under criminal laws."
He expressed concern that if the issue was not resolved soon by the government after forming a committee it may blow out of proportion.