The incident at Khalsa Girls Inter College has gone viral; authorities deny discrimination while probe begins
MEERUT – A new hijab controversy has stirred outrage in Uttar Pradesh after a video from Khalsa Girls Inter College in Meerut surfaced on social media, showing a Muslim student claiming she was denied entry into her classroom for wearing a hijab.
In the video, reportedly recorded by the student herself, a heated exchange between her and a teacher can be seen. The student can be heard saying she was stopped at the entrance and told she could only be allowed in if she removed the hijab from her face.
“I am being asked to take off my hijab before entering the class. This is not right. I have been coming here wearing hijab for years,” the student said in the video.
The confrontation intensified as she walked into the manager’s office, where a female staff member said, “I am only asking you to remove it from your face.” The video has now triggered debate across communities, drawing criticism from various Muslim groups and concerned citizens.
In response to the viral video, the college administration dismissed all allegations of discrimination. “There are no specific rules against hijab in our school. We treat all students equally, regardless of religion,” said a staff member who requested anonymity.
The school further stated that many Muslim girls are currently enrolled and attend classes without facing any discrimination. “We have a good number of Muslim students here. No one is stopped because of what they wear,” the official added.
The student who shot the video, however, stood firm on her claims. She accused the school of singling her out and humiliating her for practising her faith.
“I have never faced such a situation before. Suddenly, I am not allowed inside because of my hijab. Why should I be forced to choose between my education and my religion?” she questioned.
Her family, too, expressed their shock over the incident. “Our daughter is not asking for special treatment. She only wants to study in peace, with her dignity intact,” said the student’s father.
Reacting to the controversy, District School Inspector Rakesh Kumar confirmed that the video was from Khalsa College and that an inquiry has been initiated.
“We have taken this matter seriously. A committee has been formed to look into it. We will act based on the findings,” he told local reporters.
Kumar also said that he became aware of the incident through media reports and that such issues would be handled sensitively.
The incident has reopened wounds in the Muslim community, many of whom see this as part of a larger pattern. “This is not the first time something like this has happened. Whether it’s Karnataka or now Uttar Pradesh, Muslim girls are being repeatedly targeted for practising their faith,” said Farhana Naaz, a local social worker and education rights activist.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable in a secular country. The Constitution gives us the right to practice our religion freely. Why are students being made to suffer like this?” she asked.
Several Muslim students in the city voiced their concern and fear. “If it can happen in Meerut, it can happen anywhere. We are being pushed out of schools and colleges,” said Mehnaz, a Class XII student from another local school.
Community leaders also condemned the college’s response, demanding strict action against anyone found guilty of religious bias. “We will not tolerate discrimination. This is about basic rights. If we don’t stand now, tomorrow more girls will be forced to remove their hijab or leave education,” said Maulana Rahmat Ali, a cleric from Meerut.
Though the issue is still local, it has begun attracting national attention. Activists, lawyers, and minority groups have taken to social media calling for an end to what they describe as a “silent war against Muslim identity.”
“Hijab is not a crime. Stopping a girl from attending school for wearing a hijab is nothing short of educational apartheid,” tweeted Faizan Mustafa, a legal scholar.
This incident in Meerut mirrors earlier ones in Karnataka and other parts of India, where Muslim girls were barred from exams or school premises over their choice to wear hijab. The issue has become a flashpoint between constitutional rights and institutional dress codes.
Legal experts say such matters should be handled with caution and sensitivity. “Any dress code must not override the basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Advocate Shabnam Qureshi, who has handled similar cases in the past.
With the issue now under investigation, local leaders and citizens have demanded that the state education department issue a clear policy regarding hijab in schools and colleges.
“It’s not enough to keep denying allegations,” said Dr Nasreen Fatima, an educationist based in Meerut. “There must be clear guidelines that protect the rights of all students. Otherwise, Muslim girls will continue to suffer in silence.”
The student in question has reportedly not returned to the institution since the incident. Her parents say they are awaiting an apology and official assurance of non-discrimination before sending her back.
“Till we are sure that our daughter will not be harassed again, we will not take the risk,” said the girl’s mother.
