Hijab row a ‘shame on secular’ Kerala, says IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty has described the hijab controversy at St. Rita’s Public School at Palluruthy, Ernakulam, as a “shame on secular Kerala.”

Addressing the media in Malappuram on Saturday (October 18, 2025), Mr. Kunhalikutty said that “some divisive forces” had been trying to fuel the issue, and that was why the party refrained from responding until now.

“But we cannot remain silent on it any longer. Incidents of such intolerance are on the increase in Kerala. It is a shame. Sad that it has led to the termination of a girl’s education,” said Mr. Kunhalikutty.

Mr. Kunhalikutty said that all sections were operating schools in the State, and if one section is allowed to maintain such an intolerant stance, others will begin to follow.

“We have maintained a give-and-take policy among different sections, upholding liberal views towards other groups. The hijab issue should not be permitted to deepen societal divisions,” he said.