A resolution passed by the National Executive Council of Popular Front of India has stated that the Hijab ban and related controversies in Karnataka constitute another aggression on Muslim identity and denial of religious freedom to minorities. It also denies one’s personal freedom to wear a dress of his/her choice. It is forcing uniformity in the name of uniforms.

Attempts are being made to introduce new cultural practices to pressurise the judiciary to go against Muslim religious freedom. Muslim women across the world deem the headscarf part of their identity for centuries. A cruel and malignant situation has been created that Karnataka Muslim girls are being asked to choose between education and their identity by some educational institutions in the state. When these brave girls assertively stood up for themselves, they were terrorised and heckled by Hindutva boys. Hundreds of boys and girls going to the streets against their fellow students’ rights of religious freedom and harassing women for demanding their rights are a shame on any civilised society. These mobs motivated purely by hate are tarnishing the image of the nation across the globe.

It seems that these institutions that are restricting the Muslim girls are working hand in glow with anti-Muslim forces. Intolerance has been willfully propagated against Muslim symbols for the past few years. Halal food and Muslim prayers were continuously attacked by Sangh Parivar and now they are targeting Muslim women’s Islamic way of dressing. An impression is being created that being Muslim in the country is not okay. They have little regard for the constitutional rights of the citizens or the pluralistic social fabric of the country. This is what fascism looks like.

Our country and its institutions have long maintained a respectful and inclusive approach towards all faiths and were thus able to bring about an organic cohesion of differences. People of all faiths are still allowed to pursue education and participate in their public life without compromising their identity.

Therefore any decision against Hijab will be akin to alienating and excluding Muslims from education and public life. Popular Front stands with the struggle of the Muslim girls and hopes that Karnataka high court will restore their rights to wear Hijab in schools and colleges without facing any discrimination./ By Muslim Mirror Network