After clash over burkha, classes resume at Shivamogga colleges

Many girls came to Sahyadri Arts and Commerce College and Sahyadri Science College in Shivamogga on Tuesday wearing burkhas. Those who had staged protests against the wearing of burkha came to class with saffron shawls.

Classes resumed at Sahyadri Arts and Commerce College and Sahyadri Science College, two unit colleges of Kuvempu University in the city, on Tuesday amidst tight police security.

Owing to protests staged by a section of students against a few girls attending college wearing burkha, the college management had called off classes on February 3 and declared holiday on February 4 and 6.

On Tuesday, police personnel were deployed in large numbers on the campus. To prevent the entry of outsiders, police personnel at the entrance gate only allowed students inside after verifying their ID cards. As the university administration had announced that uniform was not mandatory and that the students were free to wear clothing of their choice, many girls came to attend classes wearing burkha. Those who had staged protests against the wearing of burkha attended classes sporting saffron shawls.

Gowdar Shivannanavar, principal of Sahyadri Arts and Commerce College, told

The Hindu that though attendance was thin, the situation was peaceful. The college management also held an informal meeting with the students who were in favour of wearing burkha to college and with those who were against it. The students promised to extend their full cooperation for the smooth functioning of the college, he said.

Mr. Shivannanavar said that after reviewing the security arrangements on campus on February 4, the police had directed the college management to tighten security by installing more surveillance cameras, reducing the number of entry points, and making uniform mandatory for students. But as Kuvempu University had announced earlier that dress code would not be enforced compulsorily at both the colleges, the direction of the police would be brought to the notice of the Vice-Chancellor and a call taken later, the principal said.

Tension elsewhere

Meanwhile, clashes were reported on Monday on the campus of the Government First Grade College in Bapuji Nagar in the city between two groups of students over the issue of attending classes wearing burkha and saffron shawls. A protest was staged by students at Acharya Tulasi National College of Commerce demanding strict enforcement of the dress code.

However, both colleges functioned normally on Tuesday, with police personnel deployed there to maintain peace and order.

Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare and Additional Superintendent of Police Vincent Shanthakumar visited all four colleges and reviewed the security arrangements.