Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Feb 16: "We strongly condemn the harassment Muslim girl students in high schools over hijab," said district president of National Women’s Front Zalaika Bajpe.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday, February 16, Zalaika Bajpe said, "The school teachers and administration are harassing Muslim students in violation of the high court orders which we strongly condemn. The high school students are being forced to remove their hijab before entering the school premises citing high court orders. But the interim order suggests that it is applicable to the colleges.

Speaking on the number of students deprived of classes owing to hijab, Women India Movement state president Shahida Tasnim said, "In Shikaripura 90 students and 32 students from Karnataka Public School in Madikeri have been sent back home. In Shivamogga, students were denied entry into examination halls and in Mandya students were forced to take out Hijab outside the gate. Despite several such incidents in the state, the government and education department have not taken any action. It seems like the government has a role in the issue. Stringent action should be taken against those who violate court orders."

Karavali Mahila Hakkugala Vedike convenor Ashika Mangaluru, corporator Shamshad Aboobaker, Zeenath Bantwal, Mumtaz Vitla, Shabina Nandavara and Afrina Bantwal were present.