by Protests were also held in various colleges of north Karnataka, including in Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag and Bagalkot. Classes were suspended at Shanteshwar Education Trust in Vijayapura after some students arrived on campus draped in saffron stoles. This despite the Karnataka government issuing a new circular banning the hijab as well as saffron shawls on campuses.
State home minister Araga Jnanendra ordered a probe to find out who is backing the students demanding permission to attend classes in headscarves. “Uniform dress is a symbol of equality. Children are saying they want hijab, but they have not argued or protested for it earlier. I doubt (it), some vested interest is behind the issue,” Jnanendra said. He said police have been asked to find out if specific people or organisation/s have been pushing students into creating a stir.
The HC will on Tuesday hear the petitions. CM Basavaraj Bommai on Monday appealed to everyone to maintain peace and said his government will take steps after the HC order.
