BENGALURU: HD Kumaraswamy, former chief minister and JD(S) floor leader, appealed to the state government in the assembly on Wednesday to consider allowing Muslims to wear hijab (headscarf) of the same colour as that of their school or college uniforms.
While raising the issue, Kumaraswamy said the central government allows girl students in Kendriya Vidyalayas to wear hijabs and it had issued an order in 2012 in this regard. The state government should take a cue from it, he said.
“The state government should address this issue on compassionate grounds and end this controversy once for all,” he said, adding such a step will help restore the “academic atmosphere” in schools and colleges which was “vitiated” by developments surrounding hijab row.
He urged the government to punish people who instigated students on both sides. “The pressing need is to destroy remote controls and we will support the government in this regard,” he said.
On Muslim traders being barred from erecting stalls on the premises of Hindu temples during jathras and fairs, Kumaraswamy warned the government to take remedial steps before the situation spirals out of control.
“You can only push a person till the wall but not beyond,” he said. “There is bound to be retaliation. Such a situation will further harm society. It is best if you convene a meeting of leaders of all religions and find an amicable solution. ”
Meanwhile, Raghupati Bhat, BJP MLA, urged the government to order an inquiry into the role of Campus Front of India and others in the hijab row. “There is a big conspiracy behind the hijab row and outsiders are involved in it,” he said. “The girls who started this controversy have been trained by some people in an undisclosed location. Family members of the girls have told this to some Muslim leaders,” he alleged.
On banning Muslim traders, Bhat said no Muslim street vendor has been disturbed. “The restrictions only apply around temple premises,” he said. “This is a fallout of forceful closure of shops of Hindus during the bandh observed by Muslims against the high court order on hijab. ”
UT Khader, deputy opposition leader, urged the government to allow Muslim students to attend exams. The high court had upheld the government’s order banning hijabs on campuses, but students have appealed the decision in the Supreme Court. The government will reply to the debate on Thursday.
