Outcry after college bans Muslim girl from wearing a veil in Mangalore

Mangalore, Aug 21 (ANI): College students of various colleges under the banner of the Dakhina Kannada Students Federation (DKSF) held a protest march here against a city college after it barred a Muslim girl from attending classes for wearing a burqa (veil).

Seventeen-year-old Aysha Asmin, a first year B. Com student of Sri Venkataramana Swamy College, Bantwal, was allegedly prevented by the college authorities from entering college campus wearing a burqa.

Holding placards and raising slogans, the students demanded action against the college authorities.

"We want justice. It means we don't want to do any inequality in the campus. We want equality. But we want to follow our fundamental rights," said Ruksana, president, Girls Islamic Organisation.

Seetharama Mayya, Principal, Sri Venkataramana Swamy College, said that Asmin can continue with her studies in the college but she has to abide by the rules of the college.

"She can remain in the college. She can continue her education, provided she abides our rules and regulations. Except classes...They can come with their dress, with their burqa in the college and they can keep it in the ladies room and while going back they can wear it again. That's our tradition. That has been happening for several years," said Mayya.

Meanwhile, the college is contemplating a dress code for students at the campus. (ANI)