VHP Leader Opposes Karnataka Government’s Hijab Decision, Calls for Statewide Protests
VHP regional secretary Sharan Pumpwell says the move could disturb discipline in educational institutions and encourages youth to protest.
Mangaluru: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has strongly criticized the Karnataka government’s reported decision to allow students to wear hijabs in schools and colleges. The organisation has also called for protests against the move across the state.
Speaking at the Vishwashri Parishad office in Mangaluru on Tuesday, VHP regional secretary Sharan Pumpwell said educational institutions should maintain uniformity and discipline. He accused the government of encouraging what he described as appeasement politics by permitting religious symbols in campuses.
Pumpwell claimed the decision has created dissatisfaction among several students and young people. According to him, some students are now considering wearing saffron shawls to schools and colleges in protest. He said the VHP and other Hindu organisations would support such demonstrations.
Referring to previous hijab related controversies in Karnataka, Pumpwell noted that Dakshina Kannada district had not witnessed such incidents so far. However, he warned that if any group attempted to create tension in the district over the issue, Hindu organisations would strongly oppose it.
The remarks come amid renewed debate in Karnataka over religious attire in educational institutions, an issue that has sparked political and social discussions in the state in recent years.