Karnataka bandh: State Bank, central markets wear deserted looks

Mangaluru: State Bank and central market wore a deserted look on Thursday, March 17 as many of the shop owners supported bandh called by Muslim organizations in protest against the verdict delivered by the state high court in Hijab case.

Traders owning shops in Kapu, Belapu, and Uchil area also expressed their support to the bandh and closed their shops.

The Ameer-E-Shariat Karnataka, Maulana Sagir Ahmad Khan Rashadi had called for state-wide bandh on Thursday expressing ”sadness” on the verdict of the High Court related to hijab.

The organizations had appealed to every section of the Muslim community to participate in the bandh.

“Make it successful and convey to the rulers that it is possible to get education while adhering to the religious practices. We also request every Justice loving people and the Millat-e-Islamia to follow bandh,” Rashadi had said.

The Maulana also asked youth to be peaceful during Bandh. “Youths are requested that they should not impose bandh by closing shops forcibly, indulge in sloganeering or processions.

This bandh will be completely peaceful, silent and aimed at only expressing our anger,” the religious leader said. In its 129-page order the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday held that hijab is not an Essential Religious Practice and upheld the state government’s February five order banning the use of any cloth on the campus that could disturb peace, harmony and public order.

The full bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice J M Khazi was constituted after a few students from the coast district headquarters town of Udupi approached the High Court seeking permission to wear hijab inside classrooms of educational institutions.