Hubballi: A tussle has erupted between Hindu and Muslim students over wearing the burqa in many degree colleges in Haveri district, raising panic among lecturers and management of the educational institutions.
The tension over wearing burqa has spread to many parts of the district though it was confined earlier to Dakshina Kannada.
The students of both communities have begun to use the college campus to show their strength with one faction of girls wearing burqas and the other wearing saffron scarves.
Sri Kumareshwar Arts and Commerce College in Hangal has made uniforms compulsory for students. The college authorities claimed that they adopted the practice to ensure unity and discipline among students. Initially, students of all communities followed the system.
As years passed, many Muslim students began to arrive in the college in burqa and attempts made by lecturers to dissuade them did not yield positive results. This prompted Hindu students to attend classes wearing saffron scarves.
“The tussle over wearing burqa was confined only to the government degree college in Hangal. Now, it has spread to several colleges in the district. I have written to the government seeking some clarification over the uniform
and demanding the intervention of higher officials for settlement of the row,” college principal S.V. Somanath said.
District in-charge minister Manohar Tahasildar hekd a peace committee meeting between students of both communities. But, the imbroglio continues as both groups have made it a prestige issue. Many students have boycotted classes opposing the burqa. Meanwhile, Muslim students are maintaining that burqa is part of their religious identity.
“We are not associated with any Hindu organization. The college authorities have taken a written undertaking from us to adhere to the college uniform during admissions. Therefore, the uniforms introduced should be applicable to all irrespective of their caste and creed. We are objecting because the uniforms will not be visible if girls wear burqa. Will the management keep quiet if we wear some other coloured dress over our uniform?”, Mahesh R.B., a student said.
