Mangalore University College girls meet DC over hijab issue, seek early resolution

MANGALURU: The hijab row at the Mangalore University College at Hampanakatte continues to simmer with some students turning up at the college again with the headscarf. When the college principal did not allow them to sit in class, 15 of them approached the district deputy commissioner.

The university syndicate had earlier decided that the headscarf will not be allowed inside classrooms and the library.
The girl students had to wait for about an hour as Deputy Commissioner Dr K V Rajendra was in a meeting at the zilla panchayat office with regard to the CM’s upcoming visit.

During the meeting with the DC, the girls pointed out that there is no uniform for degree classes and demanded to see the syndicate resolution. They insisted that the hijab is their right and said they will not attend classes till they are allowed to wear it in classroosm. College principal Anusuya Rai was also present in the meeting.

The DC told the girls that the high court order cannot be violated and advised them not to disturb peace.

Later, speaking to reporters, Ghousia, one of the students, said that after the meeting with the DC they realised that there is nothing much he could do as the university syndicate had passed a order.

One of the students, Ghousia, speaking to reporters.

“This is not related to the hijab row in the state. The syndicate order was passed under pressure from ABVP. Our issue can be sorted out at the university level itself and there is no need to go to courts. Also, legal matters take time to be decided,” she said.

She further added, “We had even approached Congress leader U T Khader. He helped us only once to organise a meeting with the DC. We invite students’ associations, seculars, religious leaders to help us find a solution. We have already lost attendance and we need a solution.” Asked whether they will go to college tomorrow, she said, “We will go, but let’s see what happens”.