'We Support Hijab-Clad Women in Karnataka': Kashmiri Youth Stand in Solidarity

Kashmiri women stand in solidarity with Karnataka students.

(Image: Altered by The Quint/Namita Chauhan)

The Karnataka hijab row began after the management of a pre-university college in Udupi barred six Muslim girls from attending classes while wearing headscarves.

The management said that their attire went against the prescribed norms of the institute. Since the incident, massive protests have been held across the state in support of these Muslim students. Its ripples were felt in Kashmir as well.

A protest being held in Kashmir.

On 13 February, women from Budgam district staged a peaceful protest over the hijab ban, condemning the Karnataka government's attitude towards the issue. They expressed their solidarity with the students who were being denied entry to colleges.

Carrying banners and placards and chanting slogans in favour of the Muslim students, they said that the hijab was a part of Muslim women's identity and that nobody could snatch it from them.

Zareefa Begum, a 25-year-old protester, said that exercising their religious beliefs was their right, no matter what their religion was. She further said that the Constitution of India guaranteed them their religious rights under Article 25.

"The government cannot violate the religious laws and provisions of the constitution like this. It's our right."

Zareefa Begum, Protester

Women leading a protest in Kashmir over the hijab row in Karnataka.

Standing in Solidarity

Leading the protest, Asiya Akhtar, 29, said that India was a democratic country, but not when it came to hijab.

"Until the government revokes its decision on the hijab ban in Karnataka, we will continue to support the students of Karnataka."

Asiya Akhtar, Protester

Women distributing flowers to students in Kashmir.

Flowers being distributed outside the University of Kashmir.

On 14 February, local women distributed flowers and chocolates to burqa-clad students protesting outside Kashmir University to express their solidarity.

On being asked about their campaign, one of them said that distributing flowers to burka-clad women outside the university was a mark of respect towards them.

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