A ban on Islamic headscarves at schools has prompted an outcry among Muslims in southern India, with large crowds taking to the streets on Monday to protest against the restrictions. The stand-off in Karnataka state has galvanised fears among the minority community about what they say is increasing persecution under the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Students at a government-run high school were told not to wear hijabs last month, an edict that soon spread to at least two other educational institutions in the state. President of the Girls Islamic Organisation Karnataka, Sumayya Roushan, said at a Monday press conference the law is discriminatory in nature and also against the rights that are provided under the constitution of India. Social media footage showed hundreds of people gathered on roads and waving Indian flags in at least two towns in Karnataka, the latest in several days of demonstrations held to condemn the bans.
Chidozie Chima | August 29, 2024
