I was only trying to protect girls from 'evil eyes': Assam teacher withdraws diktat on hijab after protests

The post went viral in no time on social media ensuing both bouquets and brickbats for him. This made the school management to convene a meeting to take control of the matter
Image for representational purpose only (Pic: Google Images)
Image for representational purpose only (Pic: Google Images)

A senior teacher of an Assam school, who wanted that the girl students to wear a hijab compulsorily, has shelved the plan as the move had triggered a controversy. "To protect my students from the evil and to ensure that the girls grow up with a good personality I want to make it compulsory for girls to wear a hijab at the East Point Public School, Karimganj," AB Hannan, the teacher, had written on his Facebook page on Saturday.

It was accompanied by a photo of some students wearing hijabs. The post went viral in no time on social media ensuing both bouquets and brickbats for him. This forced the school management to convene a meeting on Sunday and it took a decision disapproving the teacher's move. He then deleted the post on Facebook and tendered an apology.

"The feelings and the sentiments of many people have been hurt due to my post. Also, as I haven't received the green signal on the issue from school authorities, I have deleted the previous post. Wearing a hijab will be optional. Apologize to everyone whom I might have hurt them unintentionally," Hannan wrote on Facebook.

He was not available for comments but he had told a news portal on Sunday that he had taken the move to protect the girls. He alleged that the girls studying in the school were harassed by "ill-mannered boys" in the neighbourhood.

According to Hannan, the girls cover their heads in that class. The school is accredited under the Secondary Education Board of Assam and teaches Islamic studies as well. The school has 100 per cent enrollment of Muslim students and Hannan had said, "If any Hindu student gets enrolled in the future, we will see what we can do."

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