Abaya ban in Srinagar school: Principal apologises after receiving terror threat, report says
The students had protested against the administration's decision. While some supported the ban, opposition parties and Islamic scholars opposed it, calling it an attack on religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
After several female students of Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School in Srinagar staged protest for being denied entry for wearing abaya, the principal of the school has now apologised after reportedly being threaten by a terror group, NDTV has reported.
"Today's conversation with the students and parents has been misrepresented. In any case, if it has hurt the sentiments of students or parents, I unconditionally apologise for the same," the principal said as quoted by the daily.
Here's what happened:
On 8 June, Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School against its administration after they alleged that they were denied entry to the institute for wearing abaya.
What is Abaya? Abaya is worn by Muslim women which is a loose-fitting, full-length robe.
While speaking to news agency PTI, one of the protesting student said, “We are told we should go to a Madrassa if we want to wear an Abaya. We were not allowed inside the school.” They alleged the school administration told them they were "ruining the atmosphere of the school" by wearing 'abaya'.
Principle's take on the incident
Before the alleged terror group warning, the School principal Memroz Shafi had said that the students have been told that they can wear abaya from home to school, but they should take it off inside the school premises. "We told them to wear a long white-coloured Hijab or a large dupatta as that is part of the school uniform. They come wearing colourful abayas, with different designs which is not part of the uniform," he said. The principal said the students should follow a proper dress code in order to maintain decorum in the school.
Political reactions on the incident
Darakshan Andrabi, chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, was the sole voice who supported the ban. "Colleges have a uniform, which is compulsory. Every profession works as per a dress code be it teachers' or doctors'. The education system will deteriorate if the students don’t wear the uniform," Andrabi said as quoted by PTI.
Opposing the decision, National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said it was unfortunate to witness such incidents in Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir. The NC chief spokesperson said the party opposes the school directive and urged the administration to take immediate corrective action.
"Wearing a Hijab should be a personal choice, and there should be no interference in matters of religious attire. It is unfortunate to witness such incidents in a Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir," Sadiq said in a tweet.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has also reacted on the incident and said that it was an attack on religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. While speaking to media, she said, “"It is our personal right to decide what to wear and what not to wear. Don't force us to do anything which is against our religion. It is our constitutional right what we wear or eat."
Further adding, she said, "Earlier we saw such incidents in Karnataka and now we are seeing this being implemented in Kashmir. We will never accept this and there will be strong reactions to this incident.” "They want to turn this country into Godse's country and Jammu and Kashmir have become a laboratory for that", she added.
She further alleged, "They are now harassing Islamic scholars like Dawoodi, Veeri. Last day NIA summoned senior Islamic scholar Rehmat-ullah of Bandipora which is unacceptable. If the situation is normal after the abrogation of Article 370 why Islamic scholars are being summoned by NIA."
Nasirul Islam, Grand Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir, said while the school has issued a clarification, girls have a right to protect their modesty by wearing abaya.
"A rebuttal has been issued by the educational institution that they have not issued any order banning the abaya. The school, which was earlier for girls only, has now become co-educational school. Hence, the girls have all the right to wear burqa to maintain their modesty," Islam said.
BJP General Secretary Ashok Koul said his party was not in favour of imposing dress codes. "It's a religious issue. We are neither against it, nor in its favour. A person is free to wear whatever she wants. If anyone wants to wear a saree or salwar, there should be no compulsion in it. Every person is free to wear clothes of their choice," Koul said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Business NewsNewsAbaya ban in Srinagar school: Principal apologises after receiving terror threat, report says
First Published:9 Jun 2023, 12:32 PM IST
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