A controversy erupted at a private school in Kanpur’s Chakeri area on Saturday after Muslim women said they were stopped from attending a parents’ meeting because they were wearing burqas. Police and Cantt MLA Hasan Rumi later intervened to calm the situation.
Rehana, one of the women, said the school asked her to remove her veil outside the gate. “We were told it’s not possible to talk with parents while they are wearing naqabs. Many women waited for some time, but they didn’t allow us inside, so we had to return,” she said.
The women alleged that the school administration had effectively banned veils on campus, raising questions over the restriction.
The school, however, defended its position. The principal said the rule was not religious but practical. “The face must be uncovered when entering the school premises to ensure identification. This applies to everyone,” the principal stated.
Police said the dispute took place during the parents’ meeting at New Vision Inter College. “On receiving information, police reached the spot and spoke to both sides. The situation was brought under control, and it is peaceful now. Necessary action will be taken as per rules,” the police said in a statement.
