Hijab Row: Karnataka Schools Reopen Today, CM Bommai Warns Against Trouble

Karnataka CM Bommai on Sunday warned trouble makers of legal action as schools up to class 10 reopen on Monday.

The prohibitory order was announced on Sunday, 13 February, and will be in place till 19 February.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Schools in Karnataka up to class 10 reopened on Monday, 14 February, even as the Udupi district administration imposed Section 144 (CrPC) in areas surrounding all the high schools in the district from Monday.

Visuals from schools showed several students attending clad in hijabs.

The prohibitory order was announced on Sunday, 13 February, and will be in place till 19 February. The announcement came amid tensions sparked by the ongoing Hijab row in the state, where saffron-scarved mobs had clashed with Muslim women protesting for their right to wear hijab in educational institutions.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday warned troublemakers of legal action as schools up to class 10 reopen on Monday.

What Did CM Bommai Say?

"Our officers are observing messages that are put out on social media. They are also collecting information on their own. My first duty now is to see that schools and colleges are opened as early as possible and to create a cordial atmosphere for peaceful learning. The students must focus on examinations scheduled in March. Other things would be taken care of by investigative agencies," Bommai said, speaking to reporters in Hubbali.

Bommai added that district commissioners and school managements have been told to conduct peace meetings and classes will be held peacefully, reported IANS.

A decision will be taken on reopening of colleges soon after ensuring all preparations are being made.

"Colleges will function like before in a cordial atmosphere. Reopening schools and colleges is our first priority. I have sought a report from the Education Minister. Based on that, a decision would be taken," he stated.

What Does the Prohibitory Order Say?

As per the order, any assembly of five or more people is banned in the places where it is in effect. The ban will be in effect from 6 am on 14 February to 6 pm on 19 February.

All sorts of protests, rallies, slogans, songs, and speeches, as well as any other form of gathering, are strictly prohibited.

According to PTI, the order has been brought about after the district superintendent of police requested Deputy Commissioner M Kurma Rao to impose Section 144 within a 200-metre radius of all the high schools.

'Schools To Reopen From Monday for Classes Up to Class 10 Standard': CM Bommai

On Thursday, CM Bommai had said that schools for up to Class 10 would reopen on Monday, after they were previously shut amid escalating tensions in the state.

"I appeal to everyone to work together and see that there is peace in the colleges. Schools will reopen from Monday for classes up to Class 10 standard," he had said.

According to ANI, Bommai added:

"Schools up to 10 standard will re-open from tomorrow. I've instructed the DCs, SPs and school administrations to conduct a peace committee meeting. Schools for higher classes and degree colleges will re-open after reviewing the situation [sic]."

Karnataka CM Basavraj Bommai in Hubli

(With inputs from ANI and IANS.)