Hijab row: Bommai for restraint, peace efforts

NT Correspondent

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has ap p e a l e d t o leaders of all political parties to maintain restraint and work towards establishing peace and tranquility in the state in the wake of sporadic incidents of violence over the hijab-saffron shawl row.

“Whatever they wanted to say, has been said. Allegations have been made against each other. Whatever should have happened, has happened. At least from now onwards, let us maintain restraint and re-establish peace in society”, he told reporters here on Thursday.

Bommai said it was the responsibility of all political parties, organizations and individuals to behave in an appropriate manner and not disturb law and order in the state over the uniform dress code row. They must wait for the court’s verdict and adhere to it. Till then, no one must issue any statement that would disturb peace in the state.

The CM said everyone must behave in a responsible manner when it comes to children’s issues. Already, enough allegations and counter allegations have been made on the controversy. “I have decided not to make any critical statements. We are in responsible posts and must act accordingly. Hurling allegations is not going to help anybody. Let to create a conducive atmosphere and allow the Karnataka High Court to deliver its judgement. It is the duty of everybody to maintain peace and tranquility in society,'' he added.

The CM said people must resist the temptation to create confusion among school children. No one must instigate them from outside and take advantage of the controversy. The government formulated the uniform dress code so that it should not cause problems for students, he said.

On the hijab-saffron shawl row making it to the international media, Bommai said such issues would be discussed at the international level first and then would reach the local level. “I am not going to talk about it”, he added.