Udupi: As Karnataka continues to grapple with the recent controversy surrounding the removal of a Brahmin student’s janivara (sacred thread) during the CET exams, the hijab issue has resurfaced, reigniting discussions across social media platforms.
Student activist Aliya Asadi, who spearheaded the hijab movement from a government PU college in Udupi, took to social media platform ‘X’ to highlight the perceived double standards in the government’s handling of both incidents.
Drawing a parallel between the two cases, Asadi questioned, “Isn’t the emotional pain of a Brahmin student barred for wearing a sacred thread the same as that of a Muslim girl denied entry for wearing a hijab?” She argued that both symbols carry deep religious value, and should be treated with equal respect.
Criticizing the swift response in the janivara case, where the officer involved was suspended, Asadi pointed out the lack of accountability in the hijab row. “The officer who barred us from entering our college was never held responsible. We weren’t even asked if we could take our exams,” she said.
She also questioned the government’s decision to offer a free seat to the Brahmin student affected by the CET incident. “Why weren’t we given the same consideration?” she asked, calling attention to the selective empathy shown by authorities.
Aliya’s remarks have once again sparked widespread discussion around religious freedom, student rights, and systemic impartiality in state policies.
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