Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai appealed to all, including political leaders, to refrain from instigating students or issuing provocative statements on the matter.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges in Karnataka for the next three days in an attempt to prevent further escalation of the controversy over students wearing hijab and saffron shawls in classes.
The chief minister, who is in New Delhi to meet various Union ministers, issued the order on February 8 following reports of clashes and violence from some college campuses. Stone pelting took place in one college and cane pelted by police in another.
“I appeal to all students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony,” the chief minister tweeted.
Pointing out that the Karnataka High Court is looking into the issue, he appealed to all concerned, especially the students, to wait patiently for the court’s decision.
Talking to reporters in New Delhi, he said that it is very unfortunate that the controversy over the dress code which started in a college spread to different districts. “Similar situations had arisen in different states at different times, and courts have passed judgments and directions from time to time,” he said.
Defending the dress code prescribed by the government, the chief minister said, “We have put our case very clearly as per the Constitution and the Karnataka Education Act. However, we are waiting for the directions of the Karnataka High Court.
He appealed to the students to maintain peace and harmony. He reminded them that they have to sit together in colleges and continue the educational activities. Hence, it was very important for them to maintain peace and harmony, he said.
He appealed to all, including political leaders, to refrain from instigating the students or issuing provocative statements on the episode.
,