Shivani Gadhavi
Published On: February 12, 2022 at 15:20 IST
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on February 12, 2022 released a statement pertaining to the comments that foreign countries like Pakistan and the United States of America are making regarding the Karnataka Hijab Row.
The Statement of the External Affairs Ministry comes after the Pakistani Government summoned the Indian Charge D’affaires regarding the Hijab Row. The Government of Pakistan also expressed its concern in a statement that accused Indian Government of “Religious intolerance, negative stereotyping and discrimination against Muslims.”
The Government of the United States of America also gave its point of view in regards with the Hijab Row. The US Ambassador for International Religious Freedom stated that not allowing the girls to enter educational institutions for wearing Hijabs is in violation of religious freedom.
The Ambassador, Rashad Hussain, made a Twitter post that stated that “Religious freedom includes the ability to choose one’s religious attire. The Indian state of Karnataka should not determine permissibility of religious clothing. Hijab bans in schools violate religious freedom and stigmatize and marginalize women and girls.”
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Arindam Bagchi, stated that “A matter regarding dress code in some educational institutions in the State of Karnataka is under judicial examination by the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka. Our constitutional framework and mechanisms, as well as our democratic ethos and polity, are the context in which issues are considered and resolved.”
Mr. Arindam Bagchi also stated that “Those who know India well would have a proper appreciation of these realities. Motivated comments on our internal issues are not welcome.”