Hijab Row: Protests Banned Near B'luru Colleges Amid Tensions in Karnataka

In Bagalkote, protesters were lathi-charged as demonstrations turned violent.

In Davangere, students and protesters were lathi-charged on Tuesday and sprayed with tear gas as the law and order situation in the area deteriorated. Section 144 was also consequently imposed in the region.

(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

Video Producer: Shohini Bose
Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

Karnataka Police, on Wednesday, 9 February, banned gatherings, agitations, and protests of any kind within a 200-metre radius of educational institutions in Bengaluru city for a period of two weeks.

According to ANI, the police said:

"Gatherings, agitations, or protests of any type within the area of a 200-metre radius from the gate(s) of schools, PU colleges, degree colleges, or other similar educational institutions in Bengaluru city prohibited for two weeks with immediate effect."

The official statement by the state police further reads, "It has been noticed, that in certain parts of the state, in the last few days, protests and agitation have been held in connection with strict enforcement of school/college uniforms... at some places, these protests have led to violence, disturbing public peace and order."

Tensions High in Karnataka

Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Karnataka on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ordering the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days as several students donning saffron scarves continued their protests against Muslim girls wearing hijab.

Further, in Davangere, students and protesters were lathi-charged on Tuesday and sprayed with tear gas as the law and order situation in the area deteriorated. Section 144 was also consequently imposed in the region.

Other districts in the state, such as Udupi, Hassan, Mandaya, Chitradurga, and Hubbali also reportedly saw protests and confrontations over the dress code.

In Bagalkote as well, protesters were lathi-charged as demonstrations turned violent. As many as 18 students were detained in Raichur.

Meanwhile, visuals of hooliganism emerged online as a mob of protesters chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' outside a classroom, banged on the door, and proceeded to barge into the room.

The visual captures the mob forcefully entering the room in the presence of a teacher, while a class is underway.

The tensions have been on the rise since December 2021, when the Government Girls Pre-University College in Udupi barred six Muslim girls from entering their class wearing hijabs.