Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Feb 6: Haji K S Masood, former MLC and president of Muslim Central Committee has warned the BJP MLAs not to play politics fuelling Hijab controversy.

In a statement issued to the media, Masood said, “The Udupi Women's PU college is affiliated to the government of Karnataka. The principal of that college is a government servant. If he has to take any action, he needs to get orders from the government. Did the government pass any order prohibiting Hijab in colleges? Let the principal prove under whose orders he has asked students not to wear Hijab. If the government has issued an order, let him make the copy public."

“No one should play politics in matters pertaining to the students. Will anyone keep quiet if the principal asks children to stay out of the college premises," he questioned. Masood also disclosed that letters have been written to all the officers concerned, CM and ministers by the Muslim Central Committee.

“How could the principal ask the students wearing Hijab to get out of the college? Let anyone wear a saffron shawl or sport Nama on their forehead. We do not have any problem with that. But do not communalize the matter. You do the veneration as per your religion. I will say again that God is one. Only the way he is worshipped is different," expressed Masod.

“Sunil Kumar is the district in charge minister of Dakshina Kannada. He is from Karkala. He is our man. He is like our children. Let him control his tongue while speaking. I know the background of the MLAs from Udupi or Kundapur or from any other place for that matter. Let them not try to teach me. I will not do politics in this matter," he asserted.

“Now the girl students have approached the court seeking justice. They are asking for their rights as Muslims according to the Constitution-the Constitution that was given to us by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Do not go against the Constitution of the country", said Masood.

“Muslims have Quran and Hadees. We will follow that. Do not interfere in that. Now the students have approached the court. I have told them to fight till their last breath. All the organizations have extended their support to the protesting girl students. I completely support the nine students. They are my children. I will support them during any difficulty that they face. The whole community is with them," he said.

“You do anything for justice but do not do injustice. We have only one request to the court. Protect us according to the constitution of India. The court has informed that a verdict on this matter will be given on February 8. Is it right on the part of the government to pass an order in the midst of this situation? Is this correct as per the constitution," questioned Masood.

“No matter who runs the government. If there is injustice in this matter, we will not see which political party is in power. We will all unite. Against the NRC, lakhs of people gathered. Now twice the amount of that will get united for the protection of our children”, warned Masood.

Responding to a question on minister Sunil Kumar's statement that how did the Muslim girl students who cannot afford the government college fees approach the court? From where they got the money, Masood warned, “Whatever is the government college fee, let the students pay it. I will pay their fees. There is no need to beg anyone. How come Sunil Kumar spoke in such a manner? Who is he? Let him provide proof. Let those girl students tell me. They have asked students to go out of the campus and now they are barking. I will not answer now. When the time comes I will answer them. Be careful,” he said.