Massive Protests Erupt in Belagavi Over Sacred Thread (Janivara) Controversy During CET Exams

Tensions are running high in Karnataka after reports emerged of students being forced to remove their janivara (sacred thread) before entering CET exam halls. What started as isolated incidents in Shivamogga and Bidar has now sparked widespread anger, culminating in a large-scale protest in Belagavi today.

Outrage on the Streets

Hundreds of people students, Brahmin community members, and concerned citizens gathered in Belagavi, their voices united in frustration. Chants ofProtect our faith! andThis is an attack on our tradition! echoed through the crowd as protesters called the incidents a blatant violation of religious freedom.

Many shared personal stories of how the janivara holds deep spiritual significance, passed down through generations. For them, being forced to remove it wasn’t just an inconvenience ,it felt like an insult to their beliefs.

Demands for Justice

The protesters submitted a formal complaint to district officials, demanding:

✔️Immediate suspension and legal action against those responsible.

✔️Clear guidelines to prevent such incidents in future exams.

✔️Assurance that students’ religious rights will be respected.

Earlier Incidents Fuel the Fire

The anger stems from multiple troubling reports:In Shivamogga, a student claimed a security guard cut his sacred thread and threw it in the trash.

In Bidar, another student was barred from entering the exam hall for refusing to remove his janivara. The college staff involved were later suspended.

Government Response

Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, condemned the incidents and promised strict action. But for many, words aren’t enough—they want concrete steps to ensure no student faces humiliation over their faith.