The Karnataka Police on Wednesday banned gatherings, agitations or any other forms of protest within 200 meters of educational institutions, reported ANI. The order will remain in effect for two weeks.

The decision came amid the controversy about some colleges in the state stopping woman from attending class because they were dressed in hijab. Over the past few days, Hindu students at several places in Karnataka have protested against women wearing hijabs to college.

Muslim women students at the Government Women’s Pre-University College in Udupi district have been protesting for nearly a month after the college did not allow them to attend classes while wearing hijabs. In retaliation, several saffron-clad people have started protesting against wearing hijab.

In Wednesday’s order, the police said that the decision has been taken in view of protests that have led to violence and disturbance of public peace and order.

On Tuesday, the Karnataka government had announced that all high schools and colleges in the state will remain shut for three days from February 9. The decision was taken after some men menaced women in hijabs, climbed up a flagpole to plant a saffron flag and broke into classrooms.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court referred the matter of allowing students to wear hijabs in educational institutions to a larger bench. Justice Krishna Dixit did not pass an interim order on the matter either. Students of the Government Women’s Pre-University College in Udupi district had moved the court after they were not allowed to attend classes dressed in hijabs.