Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai is backing six Indian students who are fighting for the right to wear the hijab. This is because they have been expelled from school for wearing hijab and entering the school.
They have been protesting in the state of Karnataka for weeks now, drawing worldwide attention to the ban on the college’s hijab. “Indian leaders must stop marginalizing Muslim women.” Has become Malala’s slogan.
In addition, the Indian media reported that clashes between religious groups in the country were escalating due to the protests.
The fight has reached the state high court over a petition filed by one student alleging that wearing the hijab is a fundamental right of religion guaranteed by the constitution.
But Hindu extremists have protested in support of the ban on the hijab. As a result, a large number of people were injured in the clashes between the two sides, according to local media.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government last week issued an order banning Muslim students from wearing the hijab and validating decisions made by state educational institutions. It said, “We must not wear clothes that interfere with equality, integrity and public law and order.”
However, Basavaraj, the Chief Minister of the state, told the media that all school’s students , teachers and the people of Karnataka should work for peace and harmony.
Heshani Karunaratne