Decision to wear Hijab should be left to students: NC

Srinagar, June 08: J&K National Conference on Thursday expressed dismay over disallowing the wearing of Hijab by the Vishwa Bharti School in Rainawari, saying the diktat infringes upon religious freedom that includes the ability to choose one’s religious attire.
NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq in a statement said the incident violates religious freedom and stigmatizes women and girls. “The hush in the government circles over the matter is equally of great concern. The decision to wear a Hijab should be left to students. The diktat is reflective of the endemic patriarchy and communal mindset at play. These incidents should not be seen in seclusion but as a part of enforcing homogeneity at the expense of the country’s multifarious cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic diversity,” he said.
Enforcing uniformity at the cost of religious beliefs is a stark contrast to the plurality of the country, he said, adding, “Wearing Hijab should be a personal choice, and there should be no interference in matters of religious attire. It is unfortunate to witness such incidents in a region where Muslims are a majority. We strongly oppose this and urge for immediate corrective action in this matter.”