Kochi, Kerala: The hijab dispute at St Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Ernakulam, has ended after the student’s father agreed she would attend school without the headscarf. The decision comes after the school was temporarily closed due to the standoff.

The issue began on October 7 when the student wore a headscarf (hijab) that did not match the school uniform. Despite repeated reminders, she continued wearing it. Principal Sister Heleena said the student’s father also came to the school with others, causing a disturbance.

Officials and political leaders spoke with the school and the student’s parents. They agreed that the student would attend classes without the headscarf. The student’s father said he accepted the management’s decision to stop the uniform issue from becoming bigger.

Leaders warn against communal tension

MP Hibi Eden, present at the discussions, said any attempts to create communal tension over the uniform would face legal action. District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas and MLA K Babu also joined the talks.

The state government has asked for a report on the incident. Education officials visited the school and recorded statements from the school authorities and the student’s parents.