Karnataka: Amid the ongoing hijab controversy in the state, state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra warned on Sunday that there are elements in the country attempting to "destabilise" the country by instilling "communal dirtiness" in school students, adding that such forces must be avoided.

Jnanendra, speaking at a public assembly here, stated, "Community forces are infecting school students with communal pollution. We must be wary because there are many elements conspiring to undermine the country." The Home Minister said, such communal forces in the country are also attempting to taint the country's future. "These forces are damaging the country's future," he stated.

The Karnataka government stated to the Karnataka High Court on Friday that Hijab is not a fundamental religious practise of the Muslim faith and that prohibiting it does not violate the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.

Responding the court's query, Advocate General said that he will authenticate how Hijab is not an essential religious practice on Monday. The Advocate General argued that the Government Order dated February 5, 2022, is in accordance with the Karnataka Education Act, while opposing different applications contesting the ban on hijab. He asked the Court to explain why the administration issued this order. He informed the Court of problems that had arisen at a government college in Udupi.

On Monday, the Karnataka High Court will resume hearings on petitions challenging the Hijab prohibition at educational institutions.

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