Javed Akhtar expresses his views on the ongoing Karnataka Hijab-row

On Thursday, veteran poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar voiced his displeasure with the recent events in Karnataka.

In Karnataka, a restriction on wearing hijab in schools and universities has sparked widespread outrage and protests. The Karnataka government has invoked Section 133(2) of the Karnataka Education Act-1983, which mandates uniform dress for all pupils.

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A burqa-clad student was heckled by protesters shouting "Jai Shri Ram" on the campus of a college in Karnataka earlier this week. As hundreds of students chased Muskan Khan, shouting 'Jai Shri Ram,' the girl started saying 'Allah-hu-Akbar' in response.

Reacting to the ongoing hijab controversy Javed Akhtar wrote, "I have never been in favor of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time, I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls, and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of “MANLINESS”. What a pity."

Protesters had already been chastised by Kamal Haasan, Richa Chadha, Onir, and Aly Goni.

Last month, a few students from Udupi Government Pre-University College were refused approval to attend classes because they were wearing hijab. According to college officials, students who previously did not wear hijab began to do so.

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Later, the students held a sit-in, refusing to attend class unless they wore hijab. Following a face-off between Hijab-wearing girls and saffron-clad boys in the state's educational institutions, violent moments have arisen. The matter led to a debate, which spread to other districts. In the current Hijab Row, protests have taken place in Delhi, Kolkata, and Maharashtra.

I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of “MANLINESS” . What a pity

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 10, 2022

Last week, the Karnataka government issued an order mandating students in schools and pre-university colleges across the state to wear uniforms set by the government or administration of private institutions.