The state of Karnataka has witnessed several incidents of unrest in the past few days after Udupi’s Government Girls PU college allegedly banned girl students from wearing hijab in classes.
While the topic has already become a national debate, actress Kangana Ranaut also seems to have reacted on the issue now.
Kangana obliquely shared her views on the subject as she took to her Instagram stories and wrote, “If you want to show courage, show it by not wearing burqa in Afghanistan. Learn to break free, not cage yourself.” Along with it, the actress also attached a post that was captioned, ‘Iran. 1973 and now. From bikini to burqa in fifty years flat. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.’ It showed two contrasting images of women in swimwear and burqa, almost 50 years apart.
This post was originally shared on Twitter by author Anand Ranganathan, who has been actively speaking in favour of banning religious dress codes in schools, calling the practice ‘draconian, misogynist, oppressive.’
On Thursday, the Karnataka High Court restrained students from wearing hijab or any religious attire till the matter is pending with the court. The protests in Karnataka began last month when a few students of the Government Girls PU college alleged that they were not allowed in classes for wearing hijab.
Earlier this week, a video of a group of slogan-shouting men, advancing towards a female student in burqa, was widely criticised on social media.
Film celebs such as Kamal Haasan, Richa Chadha, Swara Bhasker have also reacted on the issue condemning the “shameful state of affairs”.
Lyricist Javed Akhtar who does not share a good equation with Kangana Ranaut, also tweeted against ‘the mob of hooligans trying to intimidate small groups of girls’ in the name of ‘manliness’.
Meabwhile, Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges in the state as the face-off between pro and anti-hijab students continue.
