Communal tensions feared?: Schools, colleges shut in Karnataka

The Hijab row that started in a college in Udupi, Karnataka, has only intensified over the past few days. Fearing that there might be communal tensions in the State if the situation is not handled proactively, many people started urging the government to intervene. In the wake of several developments, Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai today said that all high schools and colleges in the State would be shut down for three days.

“I appeal to all the students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony,” he began saying, further adding, “I have ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges for next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate.”

The announcement has drawn mixed responses. Commentator and scientist Anand Ranganathan tweeted, “Really? That’s your reaction – to shut down schools, instead of asking them to adhere to already laid down laws and regulations? Stand up to religious bullying instead of succumbing to it.” There is a demand that the administration should be making all schools and colleges to adhere to the dress code that has been decided upon. Shutting them down is just caving in, they are arguing.