Muslim girls block road for 6 hours after the remarks of BJP MLA over ‘hijab’

A BJP lawmaker’s reported remarks on ‘Hijab’ triggered a huge controversy in the old city areas in Jaipur with the Muslim girls blocking road for several hours in protest.

Hawamahal area MLA Balmukundacharya's remarks regarding hijab during a program in a government school at a function recently, triggered a protest. The demonstration of women and girl students lasted for about six hours. Later, the police officers pacified the matter by talking to MLA Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi.

The MLA had said that even small girls are wearing hijab. "Is there any problem in breathing because their mouth is covered? Does the school have different dress codes?" he had said.

Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin reached Kagazi Circle and appealed to the women and girl students to return home. After this the women and girl students calmed down. Shops around the circle were closed during the protest. The protesting girl students were holding placards with slogans in their hands. Slogans like Baba should apologize..., a case should be registered against Baba and legal action should be taken... were written on them along with many other slogans.

Had asked the principal in the school whether there is a provision to wear two types of dress? Then he said that he does not believe. Little girls were in hijab and burqa. There should be same rules for everyone in school. Our girls will also go to school wearing different dresses. People doing politics are creating the atmosphere. I did not go to Madrasas and asked them to change their dress, but if there is a school rule then everyone should follow it.

Opposition member in the House Rafiq Khan raised the issue of rhetoric regarding hijab in schools. He said that children will not wear hijab without asking anyone. Everyone has equal rights in the Constitution. The members of the ruling party protested against this. When there was an uproar, the Speaker made arrangements to remove it from the proceedings of the House.