Hijab Ban In Karnataka Schools Violate Religious Freedom: Here's What A Top US Official Said
Even as the Hijab row in Karnataka refuses to die down, the controversy is now getting international attraction.
A top official of the Biden administration in the US has become the latest to speak up on the matter.
US Ambassador-At-Large for International Religious Freedom (IRF) Rashad Hussain said ¡°Karnataka should not determine the permissibility of religious clothing¡± and hijab bans in schools ¡°violate religious freedom and stigmatize and marginalize women and girls¡±.
"Religious freedom includes the ability to choose one's religious attire. The Indian state of Karnataka should not determine permissibility of religious clothing. Hijab bans in schools violate religious freedom and stigmatize and marginalize women and girls," a tweet from Hussain's official account said.
Hussain was appointed Ambassador-at-Large for IRF by the US Senate in December last year. He is the first Muslim Ambassador-at-Large for IRF.?
Earlier, Manchester United footballer Paul Pogba had posted on Instagram about the Hijab row in Karnataka.
"Hindutva mobs continue to harass Muslim girls wearing Hijab to college in India," Pogba, a French national said on an Instagram story.
However, one of the first international voices to speak up on the matter was Pakistani Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai said "refusing to let girls attend school in hijabs is horrifying."
"Refusing to let girls go to school in their hijabs is horrifying. Objectification of women persists - for wearing less or more. Indian leaders must stop the marginalisation of Muslim women," Malala who has been living in the UK since 2012, after she was shot on the head by the Taliban, said.
Tension in Karnataka
Meanwhile, as tensions continue in Karnataka, the Mysuru Police has banned rallies, protests till Sunday in the wake of protests called by unidentified people over the Hijab row to maintain law and order.
Prohibitory orders have been enforced under Section 144 of CrPC in the city.
As per an order issued by City Police Commissioner Chandragupta, Prohibitory orders will be in force from February 12 (6 AM) to February 13 (10 PM). In the meantime, no protests or rallies will be allowed in the district.
On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court also appealed to the student community and the public at large to maintain peace and tranquillity while hearing various pleas challenging a ban on hijab in the state.
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to hear urgent pleas relating to the hijab row in Karnataka and said it is "watching" what's happening in the state and in hearing before the High Court.
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