Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
With Inputs from Media Release
Udupi, Feb 10: The district Muslim Okkoota made clear its stand on the Hijab controversy.
Addressing media, district Muslim Okkoota president Ibrahim Saheb Kota said, “It is incumbent on girls after reaching puberty to observe Purdah. Our Indian constitution has given full provision in this regard. Therefore, any institution should not interfere and obstruct this constitutional prerogative.
“Any rule or by-laws relating to educational institutions must be sensitized so that no person of any religion, caste, class, community, or tradition can be deprived of his right to education. The purpose of educational institutions should be educate children and not to impede the practices of others or to impose their rules on them.
“India is a secular, plural, and diverse country. Thus, any education rules should consider all cultures, emotions, local beliefs, and practices.
“The issue of girls in Udupi government PU college should be solved in the ambit of the constitution. We have put in efforts in this direction. But the Udupi government PU college principal, teachers, and college development committee attitude have been narrow and negative against the implantation of the Indian constitutional spirit. Their narrow understanding of the issues became harmful in arriving at an amicable outcome. Thus, the issue to be resolved at the college level has cascaded into a colossal mess.
“The scarf does not violate any rules or regulations. The students willing to wear the scarf should be allowed to wear the same colour as the prescribed uniform is just demand, and we also endorse this demand.
“The current issues concern overall society and community. We urge that efforts should be made for collective deliberations and decision making rather than individual efforts from some leaders and any particular sect of organizations.
“We demand that the political parties and the organizations affiliated with them should not interfere in the education system. They should not engage in any activities that would affect any student's religious and constitutional rights or incite students to conflict,” he said.
Idris Hoode, vice president of the district Muslim Okkoota said, “We have tried to convince the girls, their parents and the MLA. We do not insist the students to wear Hijab, but if they practice it as a religion, then the government should allow them to wear it.
“Let them to continue education. We have made a lot of efforts to solve this issue peacefully. We have met the deputy commissioner four times and DDPU over this issue.
“I will not give any statement regarding the court, before the verdict,” he said.
Ismail Hussain, secretary, Mohammed Moula, general secretary, Zaffrulla, Abdul Azeez, Iqbal Manna and others were present.