Srinagar: The much-debated hijab controversy seems to have found its way to Jammu and Kashmir after an army-run school in Baramulla district of the erstwhile state ordered its staff not to wear hijab during school hours.
According to reports, the principal of the Dagger Parivar School in Baramulla issued a circular on April 25 directing teachers and supporting staff to avoid wearing hijab during school hours "so that students can feel comfortable and are forthcoming to interact with teachers and staff".
The diktat issued by the administration of a school for specially abled students prompted sharp criticims from several mainstream political parties in the valley, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Taking to Twitter, Mufti asserted that the Union Territory is "not like any other state" where they (BJP) bulldoze the houses of minorities.
"I condemn this letter issuing diktats on hijab. J&K may be ruled by BJP but it's certainly not like any other state where they bulldoze the houses of minorities & not allow them the freedom to dress as they want. Our girls will not give up their right to choose," Mufti tweeted.
Even National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said it was an attempt to gain political mileage.
"In this country, everyone has the freedom to follow his or her religion. It is enshrined in our constitution that we are a secular country which means all religions are equal. I don't think any government should interfere in this," news agency PTI quoted Abdullah as saying.
"This is playing with such a danger that can piss problems for the country. We would like that such decisions should not be taken. The people of all faiths should be free to follow their own religion," he said further.
Post the backlast, the school administration issued an amended version of the circular, replacing the word hijab (head cover) with niqab' (face veil).
(With inputs from PTI.)