Mohammed Faizal MP, who represents the Lakshadweep in the Lok Sabha, alleged that there was a complete ban on hijabs for girls studying in schools under the Education department in the islands.
His statement comes after the Lakshadweep administration has introduced a new pattern of stitched school uniforms, including belts, ties, shoes, socks, etc., for children studying in its schools. The directive is silent on hijabs or scarves for girl students in the Muslim-majority Union Territory.
“There is no mention of scarf or hijab. This is a violation of a person’s constitutional right. We will fight it politically and legally,” Faizal told PTI over phone on Friday.
Faizal claimed a protest has erupted in the islands against the “autocratic decision”, and the students will boycott their classes till their rights are granted.
In a circular dated August 10 issued to the principals and headmasters of the schools under the Lakshadweep administration, the Education department said school children wearing uniform will ensure uniformity and also inculcate the spirit of discipline among students, the news agency reported.
“Wearing items other than prescribed uniform pattern will affect the concept of uniformity among school children. To maintain discipline and uniform dress code in schools are responsibility of principals and head of schools,” read the circular.
Last year, as a result of the hijab ban in educational institutions in Karnataka, thousands of Muslim girls have not been able to attend school for a year, and were denied even a temporary lifting of the ban for their practical exams this year.
