Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 28: The college development committee of the university college at Hampankatta has decided that students are allowed to wear hijab in the campus of the institution but they have to remove the same while attending lessons in classrooms as well as in library.

A meeting of the committee was held on Friday May 27 in which MLA Vedavyas Kamath, vice chancellor Prof P S Yadapadithaya, principal of the college and members of syndicate participated.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yadapadithaya said, “Discussion was held in the meeting with regards to the happenings in the college. Hijab is prohibited in classrooms and will be followed strictly. We will ensure the same.

“As we had examinations after the high court order was received there was delay in sending the guidelines. Now we have held the meeting of syndicate and necessary action is taken. If there is evidence against lecturers failing to adhere to rules, action will be taken against them.

“When Muslim girl students approached us, we have tried to convince them. But when they said that they will go to deputy commissioner, I asked them to go ahead. We will counsel the Muslim girl students. If they want to join some other college, we will make arrangements also,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, who is also the president of college development committee, said that he will not allow to convert university college of the city into JNU Delhi.

Kamath further said, “Supporters of SDPI and Congress have incited the Muslim girl students of the college. There is no opportunity for those who are born in Mangaluru to spoil the country. If the order of government and court is not followed, lecturers will have to answer the same in court.”

In another development, Vinyas Acharya, president of students’ union of the college resigned. He was elected with the support of ABVP. He said, “I was also opposed to wearing of hijab. However, I said not to hold protest because it will cause friction in college. If this decision of mine is wrong, then there is no point in me continuing as president of the students’ union.”