Sri Ram Sene Protests Against Hijab Policy in Karnataka Schools
Sri Ram Sene stages protest against hijab in educational institutions
Image: The Hindu
Members of Sri Ram Sene protested outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi against a Karnataka government circular permitting students to wear religious symbols, including the hijab, with school uniforms. They argue this move undermines a 2022 High Court ruling and threatens equality among students, warning of further agitation if the policy is not retracted.
- 01Sri Ram Sene members claim the Congress government's decision is politically motivated to appease specific communities.
- 02The Karnataka High Court ruled in 2022 that the hijab is not an essential religious practice, which the protesters believe the government is violating.
- 03The protestors argue that allowing visible religious symbols in schools undermines the uniform system established to promote equality.
- 04Laxmikanth Swadi, the district president of Sri Ram Sene, stated that School Development and Monitoring Committees should control school discipline and uniforms.
- 05Protesters threatened to initiate a State-wide agitation and allow students to wear saffron shawls if the hijab is permitted.
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Members of the Sri Ram Sene, a right-wing organization, held a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, against a recent circular issued by the State government. This circular allows students to wear religious symbols, including the hijab, along with their school uniforms. Laxmikanth Swadi, the district president of Sri Ram Sene, criticized the Congress government's decision as politically motivated, aimed at appeasing certain communities for electoral gains. The protesters referenced a 2022 ruling by the Karnataka High Court, which determined that the hijab is not an essential religious practice, arguing that the government's new order violates this ruling and constitutes contempt of court. They emphasized that the uniform system, established during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure, was designed to eliminate distinctions based on caste, religion, and economic status. The protesters expressed concerns that allowing visible religious symbols in classrooms would undermine equality and unity among students. Furthermore, they rejected comparisons between the hijab and Hindu symbols, asserting that the latter are typically worn under clothing. Sri Ram Sene members warned of a potential State-wide agitation if the circular is not rescinded, suggesting that students might don saffron shawls in protest if the hijab is allowed in classrooms.
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The government's decision to allow hijabs in schools could lead to increased tensions between different community groups and affect the educational environment.
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