Bandh over HC's hijab ruling elicit a positive response in Bengaluru

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The state-wide bandh called by Ameer-e-Shariat Karnataka on Thursday, against the High Court's verdict upholding the ban on wearing Hijab in educational institutions received widespread support from the community in Bengaluru.

Business activities came to a standstill at Muslim community-dominated areas in the heart of the city. Shops including those of grocery traders and merchants, complexes and restaurants belonging to Muslims remained shut. Major areas affected include Shivajinagar, Frazer Town, Commercial Street, Bamboo Bazar, Tannery Road, Majestic and KR Market. While buses and auto-rickshaws did not hit the road, some educational institutions and Madrassas were given a holiday. Muslim-owned offices, workshops, transport companies, and contract firms too remained closed.

However, a section of traders in the city were reluctant to close down in support as they said that their businesses are already hampered by the back to back pandemic lockdowns. Karnataka Ameer-e-Shariat, Maulana Sagir Ahmed Rashadi had requested the people not go against the law. “Youth are requested that they should not impose bandh by closing shops forcibly and must not indulge in sloganeering or any processions,” Rashadi said.

Meanwhile Bengaluru police stepped up security across the city to ensure no untoward incident takes place during the bandh. City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant had instructed the police personnel to conduct route marches at sensitive areas. According to the sources, as many as 70 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and City Armed Reserve (CAR) have been pressed into service to maintain peace.

“The law and order seem to be under control and so far the bandh has been peaceful with no reports of untoward incidents related to the bandh,” Kamal Pant said. The Police Commissioner had also issued prohibitory orders by imposing section 144 banning protests and gatherings across Bengaluru.

In other districts of Karnataka such as Bhatkal, the bandh received huge support.