Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jan 31: "Apart from the six students, other Muslim students have complained that due to the issue created by the former, they are facing problems", said Raheem Uchil, President Beary Sahitya Academy and BJP leader.
Speaking to media persons after taking part in the meeting with the protesting students presided over by MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Raheem Uchil said, "Today we visited the college to verify the facts surrounding the issue. Among 100 Muslim students we met only four students demanding Hijab and then 12 more. Apart from the six students demanding Hijab, other Muslim students have claimed that there were no issues with them and that they are treated well. They told me that due to these four students even other Muslim students are facing trouble now.
"We checked the group photographs of the college taken in the previous years and also the photographs captured during various other functions. No students were wearing Hijab in these pictures. MLA Raghupathi Bhat has clarified that students will be allowed inside the class if they come without wearing Hijab. All the officials and representatives concerned are helping the students in solving the issue," he added.
He further said that it was not right to drag the issue further. "I am not against the Hijab. Hijab is a tradition in Islam. I agree with their demand for wearing Hijab. At the same time Islam also calls for identifying the issues created by wearing the Hijab in certain places. We need to understand what effect it will have on other students and the college atmosphere per se. Democracy is different from Shariyat based nations," he said.
At the same time, Raheem Uchil congratulated the students for seeking permission to wear Hijab. He said, "In democracy everyone has the right to ask. As a Muslim, I commend their decision to wear Hijab but the college has denied the permission after studying all the related issues. Being a citizen of India, it is everyone's right to follow and adhere to the Constitution and government orders. If you are an Indian you have to follow it. You performed your duties being a Muslim, now do the same as an Indian. During today's discussion, three students agreed with my opinion. They have assured me to take a final decision by tomorrow. Only one student has disagreed but I have tried to convince her that due to one person's decision other students and the community will be in trouble. I'm not against Islam nor to Hijab. I respect that" he reiterated.