BENGALURU: The government on Friday extended holidays for PU, degree, engineering and diploma colleges and universities till February 16 and instructed all district deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to enforce the high court’s interim order banning students from wearing hijabs and saffron shawls in letter and spirit.
However, exams will be conducted as per schedule.
Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai instructed DCs and SPs during a video conference to review the law and order situation. The decision was taken since the government has decided to resume high schools (classes 9 & 10) from Monday. Most protests were reported earlier this week only in government PU colleges. “We instructed DCs and SPs to visit schools in sensitive districts and hold talks with principals, teachers and parents to ensure no untoward incidents takeplace,” said home minister Araga Jnanendra.
The meeting decided to reassess the situation on Monday and take a decision on reopening PU and degree colleges. “The government’s focus is to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for students to pursue their studies as examinations are fast approaching and still 25 per cent of the syllabus is yet to be covered,” Jnanendra said.
The state instructed district administrations not to give in to any pressure fromlocal politicians and religious organisations and deal with instigators sternly. “We told officers to keep a tab on social media to ensure no provocative messages are circulated. They can take suo motu action,’’ he said.
The government restrained media from showing old footage of violence or protests repeatedly. Probe role of parents The home minister said police have information that parents of some of the protesting students are mem bers of communal organisations and they insisted on wearing hijab in class.
“We’re investigatin g their role in instigatin g students,’’ he said in reply to a question if the father of Muskan Khan of Mandya, who confronted youths on her school campus, was a member of the Popular Front of India. He also said police are keeping an eye on those meeting Muskan and announcing cash rewards for her.
