Karnataka High Schools Reopen Amid Hijab Row

The High Schools in Karnataka reopened on Monday after remaining shut from last February 9 amid the Hijab row.

The government also imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in sensitive areas in the districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada and Bengaluru.

Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on February 13 expressed confidence that peace and normalcy will prevail.

The chief minister also said that a decision regarding reopening of pre-university and degree colleges will be taken after assessing the situation.

The government on Friday said that universities belonging to the department of higher education and colleges under the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE) will remain closed till February 16 in the wake of the raging Hijab row.

In Udupi district, high schools reopened on Monday with the state ducation department sources saying that attendance was normal in all the institutions.

Muslim girl students, who reached the school campuses wearing hijabs, removed them before entering classes, reported news agency PTI.

Examinations scheduled for the day are also underway in the institutions.

Police personnel have been deployed in Udupi town and near the schools to maintain law and order.

Section 144 has also been imposed within a 200 metre radius of all high schools by the Udupi district administration in the district from Monday till February 19 to maintain peace.

Udupi tahsildar Pradeep Kurudekar, who visited a few schools, said Muslim students are abiding by the High Court's interim order by removing hijabs before entering classes.

Meanwhile, Udupi Pejawar mutt chief Swami Vishwaprasanna Teertha appealed to all sections to avoid chaos and maintain peace.