Student activists say Karnataka High Court order on hijab ‘disappointing'
New Delhi (PTI): Student activists on Wednesday said the Karnataka High Court judgement on hijab was ''disappointing'' and asserted that uniforms should be inclusive of social and religious practices.
In its 129-page order, the high court has held that hijab is not an essential religious practice and upheld the Karnataka government's order banning the use of any cloth on the campus that could disturb peace, harmony and public order.
At a press conference here, several Muslim women students and activists spoke about the court's order and put forth a series of demands.
Huma Masih, a student activist, said the hijab issue should have started a healthy debate on uniforms whether they are inclusive.
"The hijab issue should have stirred a healthy discussion on the culture of uniforms. It should have started a discussion on whether uniforms are inclusive and democratic, but no one is talking about it," she said.
Simra Ansari of Jamia Millia Islamia alleged that there are some people who do not want Muslim women to get education and are forcing them to choose between studies and their identity.
"Whenever Muslim women have come forward to talk about their rights, there are some people from a specific ideology who have had issues. This (the hijab ban) is a systematic way to stop Muslim women from getting educated by forcing them to choose between their studies and identity.
Through this stage, I want to say that we will attain our right to get educated and also keep our identity. We will not choose," she said.
Khalida Parveen, a social activist, said they were ''disappointed'' and ''angry'' over the court's decision.
"There is no guarantee that Muslim women, when they will go to a bank or some public place wearing a hijab, they will not be subjected to moral policing. If any untoward incident happens with them, who will be responsible? The central government talks about ''Beti Bachao' but the state government goes against it," she said.
The speakers said uniforms should be inclusive of religious and social practices in a diverse country like India.
They demanded that cases registered against those who participated in protests against the hijab ban be withdrawn.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
