Kochi- Parents of a student prevented from wearing hijab in a Church-run school here have decided to transfer her elsewhere citing 'stress', while the institution welcomed her to continue pursuing education there, subject to adherence to its rules.

The father of the Class VIII student at St Rita's Public School at Palluruthy told PTI that she would not be sent back there.

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty. who has been backing the girl, termed as“surprising” and“ironic” that a teacher, who was wearing a headscarf, did not permit one of the students to do so.

The girl's father said:“My daughter has been under severe stress after the hijab incident. She clearly said she doesn't want to return, so we decided to respect her wishes.”

The family has approached other schools for admission.“We are in talks with one school that has agreed to admit her, but we are exploring all available options,” he added.

According to him, neither the teachers nor the management of the school have contacted the family since the controversy erupted.

“My daughter has not attended classes for the last two days, and we have received no communication from the school,” he claimed.

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