Shivamoga: Classes resumed at Sahyadri Arts and Commerce College and Sahyadri Science College, two unit colleges of Kuvempu University in the city, on Tuesday amidst tight police security.

Owing to protests staged by a section of students against a few girls attending college wearing burkha, the college management had called off classes on 3rd february and declared holiday on 4th and 6th febraury.

On Tuesday, police personnel were deployed in large numbers on the campus. To prevent the entry of outsiders, police personnel at the entrance gate only allowed students inside after verifying their ID cards. As the university administration, had announced that uniform was not mandatory and that the students were free to wear clothing of their choice, many girls came wearing burkha. Those who had staged protests came sporting saffron shawls.

Gowdar Shivannanavar, principal of Sahyadri Arts and Commerce College, told The Hindu that though attendance was thin, the situation was peaceful. The college management also held an informal meeting with the students who were in favour of wearing burkha to college and with those against it.

Mr. Shivannanavar said that after reviewing the security arrangements on campus on 4th february, the police had directed the college management to tighten security by installing more surveillance cameras, reducing the number of entry points, and making uniform mandatory for students. But as Kuvempu University had announced earlier that dress code would not be enforced compulsorily at both the colleges, the direction of the police would be brought to the notice of the Vice-Chancellor and a call taken later, the principal said.

Meanwhile, clashes were reported on Monday on the campus of the Government First Grade College in Bapuji Nagar in the city between two groups of students over the issue of attending classes wearing burkha and saffron shawls. A protest was staged by students at Acharya Tulasi National College of Commerce demanding strict enforcement of dress code.

However, both colleges functioned normally on Tuesday, with police personnel deployed there to maintain peace and order.