Udupi-Dakshina Kannada: Classes held peacefully on Feb 14

Udupi / Mangaluru: The High schools across Udupi and Dakshina Kannada reopened on February 14 after classes were stopped following the Hijab – saffron shawl protests.  However, many students were absent and schools reported about 50 percent attendance on Monday.

Uniform was strictly enforced at all high schools  — government, private, and aided ones. Students were allowed to wear Hijab until the school gates but entered the premises after removing them.

It is the season of examinations. The preparatory examinations for SSLC students are underway.

Of the 311 high schools in the Udupi district, only 48.72 attendance was recorded for class 9 as only 7,964 students out of the total 16,347 turned up at school on Monday. Similarly, 49.47 percent of class 10 enrolled students attended classes on Monday.

A similar situation was witnessed in Dakshina Kannada District. The Class 9 and 10 attendance recorded was 47.08 percent and 47.41 percent respectively.

There was no unpleasant incident at any high school in the district. The police force was deployed in many schools. The police remained at the school from morning till evening and ensured peace around the schools.

However, fake videos of violence were found to be circulating on social media.  Police Commissioner Shashi Kumar on Monday issued a clarification on fake news being circulated on social media regarding reputed Institutes of Mangaluru.

“Some videos are making rounds on social media which has a content reflecting issues of Hijab and saffron shawl. These incidents have been reported in different parts of the state and not in Mangaluru,” he clarified.