As the hijab-saffron shawl row continues in the junior colleges at Kundapur in Karnataka’s Udupi district, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Tuesday said that the government’s order did not differentiate on religion and both hijab and saffron shawl are not allowed in the college premises.

“This culture should come from educational institutions. Students should think beyond religion. Uniform is a symbol of equality,” the state home minister said.

Jnanendra alleged that vested interests are instigating some students and informed that police have been directed to investigate the matter.

“I suspect some vested interest behind these issues (Udupi row). I directed cops to inquire about it as to who is involved in instigating it,” the Karnataka home minister said.

Meanwhile, a day ahead of the high court hearing on the hijab-saffron shawl row, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai appealed to everyone to maintain peace and said his government will take steps after the court’s order.

 “The matter is before the high court and it will be decided there. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and no one should take steps to disturb the peace,” Bommai said.

The Karnataka High Court will on February 8 hear the petitions filed by five girl students of a Government Pre-University College in Udupi, questioning the restriction on wearing hijab in college.

The hijab ban has stoked a huge controversy in Karnataka and has also taken political colour. The Bommai-led BJP government has strongly advocated for uniform-related rules being enforced by educational institutions, calling the headscarf, a religious symbol.

The Opposition Congress has stood strongly in support of the Muslim girls raising voices against the hijab ban.