Anger erupts among Muslim girl students in Manipur after a private school’s ban the use of headscarves and dupattas on campus.
Coming in support with the Muslim girl students, Manipur State Minorities Commission has ordered Imphal-based Brighter Academy to withdraw the school circular that told students not to wear headscarves and dupattas on the campus.
Brighter Academy in Imphal has disallowed students from covering their heads on campus.
Reacting to the restriction, president of All Manipur Muslim Girl Students’ Union (AMMGSU) Rukshar Chowdhury told TOI on Wednesday that India is a secular state and covering of heads is a mandatory religious practice for many Muslim women.
Interestingly school authorities adopted the dress code after completing the admission process for the ongoing academic session, Rukshar said, adding that the restriction amounted to mental harassment of Muslim students.
“Many students have protested verbally. Some of them have even stopped coming to school. Though we submitted a memorandum to the principal, education minister, and deputy commissioner, no steps have been taken,” Rukhsar said.
“We are planning to launch a stir until the ban is removed. We might file a petition against the school authorities withthe high court,” she said.