Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jan 20: “Udupi was the epicentre of the whole Hijab controversy. I am satisfied that the matter was taken up for discussion and resolution,” said MLA Raghupati Bhat.

Addressing a news conference here on Friday, January 20, MLA Bhat said, “The school principal's stand on the issue in my constituency has become an eye-opener to the world. A campaign to discard hijab has begun even in Muslim countries as well. I am glad that Muslims have woken up to it. Protests and killings are happening in many places due to hijab controversy and Muslim women in other countries have become alert today.”

“The high court has ruled in our favour but the matter is pending before the Supreme Court. The demand for a decision on hijab is justified. We have not demanded a ban on hijab anywhere. We have only said that there is no scope for wearing it in the classrooms. The Muslim community has also consented to this decision. Muslim women in Iran are getting down to the streets and campaigning against the wearing of the hijab,” Bhat added.

The Udupi MLA said, “Muslims of my constituency had supported me when I objected to wearing of the hijab in classrooms. They had said that my opinion is correct as I had not spoken against religion. They had unanimously agreed that removing hijab in the classrooms is right.

Bhat said, "Hijab is not an issue that was created by us. The society is awakened by the hijab controversy. Muslim women also are awakened now. Classes are continuing in colleges where students initially raised the banner of revolt and insisted on wearing hijab. Now, the students are attending to their classes after removing the hijab in the classrooms. The problem lies only with the fundamentalists,” he said.