Lucknow, February 16, 2022 (PPI-OT):Controversy over a ban on wearing hijab by girl students in a southern Indian state Karnataka has now reached India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh (UP), with a group of youth demanding of a college to impose ban on the head coverings. The authorities closed colleges in Karnataka, last week, after a new uniform policy barred students from wearing headscarves in classrooms, leading to demonstrations by the Muslim students and protests by the Hindu students.

Muslims have criticised the ban as another way of marginalising a community that accounts for 13% of India’s 1.35 billion population. In Uttar Pradesh, a team of over two dozen youths reached Dharam Samaj College in Aligarh district and submitted a memorandum to their officials demanding a complete ban on hijab in its premises.

The college’s chief proctor Mukesh Bhardwaj said he had a saffron shawl around his neck – usually worn by Hindus – adding that he did not recognise the people. Currently, religious apparel is not permitted in classrooms, but may be worn elsewhere on campus. “The same issue was raised two years ago and it has been raised again. We do not allow any kind of religious uniform and we have a uniform civil code for all,” Bharadwaj said.

“There is a changing room for the girls and they can change their dress there before going to class,” he said. “We are investigating the matter.” Uttar Pradesh is ruled by a Hindu monk from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party and is in the midst of a multi-phased election that ends next month. Hindu-Muslim disputes are often used for political gains in the state.

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