Security forces are holding a flag march in Udupi, the epicentre of pro and anti-hijab protests in the state. This comes after violent protests and stone-pelting over a government decision barring Muslim students from attending classes wearing hijab.
Karnataka Police and paramilitary forces are holding the march as tense calm prevails throughout the state. Chief Minister Bommai had earlier appealed to all stakeholders involved to maintain calm.
Meanwhile, the state government has decided to open high schools in the state from Monday, February 14. The schools and colleges will be opened in a phased manner amidst growing protests over the hijab issue.
As part of the first phase of reopening, students from classes 1 to 10 can attend schools. An announcement regarding the opening up of schools for classes 11 and above will be made later.Colleges in Karnataka can reopen but students cannot be allowed to wear any piece of clothing that is religious till the matter is pending, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court said on Thursday.The high court interim order states, “pending consideration of all these petitions, we restrain all the students, regardless of their religion or faith from wearing saffron shawls (Bhagwa), scarfs, hijab, religious flags or the like within the classroom, until further orders.”
