New Delhi: India has asked countries to refrain from commenting on the issue of dress code in educational institutions in Karnataka, stating that “motivated comments on our internal issues aren’t welcome.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made these remarks on Saturday in response to media queries on India’s reaction to comments by some countries on the dress code in some educational institutions in Karnataka.
“A matter regarding dress code in some educational institutions in Karnataka is under judicial examination by Karnataka High Court...Motivated comments on our internal issues aren’t welcome,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on comments on dress code in some educational institutions in Karnataka.
Bagchi said that those who know India well would have a proper appreciation of the realities.
A US government body that monitors and reports on religious freedom abroad had criticised Karnataka.
Rashad Hussain, the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, or IRF, tweeted "hijab bans in schools violate religious freedom", referring to the controversy in Karnataka that has prompted the state government to keep schools and colleges shut till the high court completes looking into petitions on the hijab ban.
"Those who know India well would have a proper appreciation of those realities," he added.
Grade 11, 12, colleges to remain closed until February 16
Karnataka, meanwhile, has decided to extend the closure of schools for grade 11 and 12 and colleges until February 16.
CN Ashwatha Narayana, Minister for Higher education said: “The examinations would be held as per schedule while the institutions have been directed to hold online classes.”
“Now as a precautionary measure, the closure of universities and colleges have been extended. This closure is applicable for government, aided, unaided degree colleges, diploma, and engineering colleges”, Minister stated.
Meanwhile, Mysuru Police has banned rallies, protests till Sunday in the wake of protests called by unidentified people over the Hijab row to maintain law and order.
Prohibitory orders have been enforced under Section 144 of CrPC in the city.
As per an order issued by City Police Commissioner Chandragupta, Prohibitory orders will be in force from 6pm on February 12 to 10pm, February 13. Also, no protests or rallies will be allowed in the district.
The Hijab protests began on February 4 at the Government Girls PU college in Udupi district in Karnataka when some students alleged that they had been barred from attending classes. During the protests, some students were allegedly denied entry to college wearing hijab by Muslim women earlier this month.
On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court also appealed to the student community and the public at large to maintain peace and tranquillity while hearing various pleas challenging a ban on hijab in the state.
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to hear urgently pleas relating to the hijab row in Karnataka and said it is “watching” what’s happening in the state and in hearing before the High Court. A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli said that they will see the issue at the “appropriate time” as the Karnataka High Court is seized of the matter and also suggested lawyers to not make it a national-level issue.
