New Delhi: The ongoing hijab row in Karnataka is slowly spreading to other states with strong reactions pouring in from different sections of the society. Many politicians have also come out in protest of the hijab not being allowed in Karnataka schools and colleges.
Latest in the list is All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi who has condemned the entire incident.
"I pray that our sisters fighting for their right to wear hijab are successful in their fight. Grave violations of the Constitution's Articles 15, 19 and 21 are being committed in Karnataka. I condemn this decision of Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government," news agency ANI quoted Owaisi.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reacted to the controversy while addressing a public rally in Sarai Tarin in Uttar Pradesh.
On Tuesday, the Karnataka government was forced to declare a 3-day holiday for schools and colleges as the hijab controversy took a violent turn in some parts of the state.
"I appeal to all the students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony. I have ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate," read the tweet by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Protests began in the state after some students were allegedly denied entry to a college in Udupi wearing hijab (a headscarf worn by Muslim women) on February 4.
A circular was released by the pre-University education board stating that students can only wear the uniform approved by the school administration and no other religious practices will be allowed in colleges. The students opposed the decision and began protests in the campus.