AMT nursing school asks students not to wear Abaya or veil

By  Syed Nashir Ali Gillani

Srinagar: The girl students in the AMT nursing school, associated with the Government Medical College Srinagar, have been asked not to wear Abhaya or the veil during their clinical postings.
They have been asked to submit affidavits mentioning, among other things, that they would follow the dress code during their training.
Around 360 students have been selected for various courses the classes for which will start April 1.
In June 2016, the Valley’s one of the leading private schools, Delhi Public School (DPS) Athwajan had asked its female teacher to choose between Abhaya and the job.
The teacher preferred to resign, but three days after protests against the order, the school tendered an apology for hurting sentiments of the people.
The Jammu and Kashmir government took the matter seriously and said that J&K is “not France”.
A student, wishing anonymity, said that it was “totally unethical” on part of the authorities to ask them not to wear Abhaya or hijab.
“This is a Muslim state. We have to abide by the principles of our religion. We are in a shock, as we fail to understand the reason for such an order. This is not France or any other foreign country; Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, herself wears Abhaya,”she said.
“We cannot change ourselves at this point of time. We have been covering the face and wearing Abhaya from a long time. It has nothing to do with our studies or practical training,” said another student.
The Principal of AMT nursing school, Dr Razia, admitted that they have asked students not to wear Ahbaya or cover their faces.
“It is true. Actually, during clinical trainings, we are not able to identify our students. They not wearing Abaya will help us. They too will be able to practical work properly,” she said.
Chairperson, State Commission for Women (SCW), Nayeema Mehjoor, said she would look into the matter.