The long-standing and contentious Hijab vs. Saffron shawl uniform controversy has once again flared up in Karnataka, this time at the C.G. Bellad Government First Grade College in Akki Alur, Hangal Taluk, Haveri District.
The dispute escalated dramatically today as a significant number of Hindu students arrived at the college wearing saffron shawls in direct protest against the female Muslim students who are allegedly continuing to wear the Hijab inside the classroom premises.
The Root of the Conflict
According to reports, the controversy reignited because a section of Muslim female students has been regularly wearing the Hijab inside the college and classrooms for an extended period. This practice, despite previous state-level rulings regarding uniform mandates, led to resentment among other student groups.
In a clear act of counter-protest and demand for parity and adherence to uniform rules, hundreds of Hindu students collectively decided to wear saffron shawls, entering the classrooms with the shawls draped around their shoulders. Photographs and videos show students sitting inside the classrooms, attending lectures while prominently wearing the saffron attire.
Alleged Inaction by Administration
The protesting students claim that the college administration has failed to take concrete action against the continued wearing of the Hijab within the college premises for "quite some time." This perceived inaction from the C.G. Bellad Government First Grade College management is cited as the primary reason for the aggressive counter-measure adopted by the Hindu students.
The situation has caused immediate tension and disruption to academic activities at the college. The involvement of large numbers of students on both sides highlights the sensitivity and volatile nature of the uniform and religious expression debate in educational settings across the region.
The college administration is now under immediate pressure to intervene, restore order, and enforce the uniform code to prevent the escalation of the communal controversy and ensure the continuation of classes.
