Students in hijab sent home from UP's Bijnor college, parents protest

BIJNOR: A group of students was sent home by the principal of a semi-govt inter-college at Nahtaur in Bijnor district for wearing hijab. The move drew strong protest from parents. Police have launched a probe on Tuesday to "understand the circumstances leading to the incident and address the concerns raised by the students and their parents".

The principal allegedly instructed the students to come back wearing white scarves (as the dress code) and with a two-plaits hairstyle. The principal also asked them to bring their parents.

In a video statement, the students said they had arrived at the college on Monday morning wearing hijab, and were instructed by the principal to go back home after the morning assembly. Some parents and locals raised the matter and protested, prompting police to intervene and restore calm. Circle officer Rakesh Vashistha and inspector in-charge Rajesh Kumar also arrived at the scene.

District inspector of school, Jai Karan Yadav, said, "Incident took place at Mahua village. The principal asked all the students to follow the dress code. Our team went to the village and spoke with the parents. They've agreed to send their daughters to college in the dress code. It was a misunderstanding between parents and school staff."

Refuting the allegations by parents, the principal, requesting anonymity, said, "The rule should be equal for all. It should not become an issue and linked with any particular religion."