Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Feb 18: After being shut for 10 days over the Hijab versus saffron shawl controversy, MGM College here reopened to students on Friday February 18.
On February 7, friction had taken place in the MGM college campus with regard to the uniform, with Hindu boys arriving at college donning saffron shawl in protest against Muslims girls wearing Hijabs. Principal of the college had held a meeting with students of both groups and asked the Muslim girl students to remove their Hijab while entering classroom. The girls however refused to be pressured and asserted that they were within their rights to wear the Hijab. As the situation threatened to go out of hand, the college declared holiday and was shut as per the order of the state government.
On Friday, the campus reopened amid tight police security.
The district superintendent of police has sent Karnataka State Reserve Police personnel as a precautionary measure.
Students who are appearing for the examination alone are allowed entry into the college premises. The college management has displayed a board about this aspect at the entry gate.
The degree section of the college has opened after a holiday of ten days. PU college students are appearing for the examination. The second PU chemistry practical examination is being held on Friday.
Additional district superintendent of police, Siddalingaiah, said that an atmosphere of peace prevails everywhere and suitable arrangements have been made in MGM College. He said there is nothing to worry about.
"As the college has been reopened after a gap, additional police personnel have been deployed. The school administrative council has decided on uniforms. Students are being allowed into the college premises. There are no problems in Kaup too," he explained.