Now, pheran ban reaches Kashmir varsity

The controversial ban on 'pheran' (loose gown used during winters in Kashmir) reached the University of Kashmir after authorities barred students from wearing the traditional attire to enter the Central Library.

University officials said the decision was taken due to security reasons as Allama Iqbal Library in the campus is yet to install CCTVs and sensor gates. However, the issue snowballed into a major controversy prompting the University to withdraw the decision and allow pheran-clad people inside the library after a thorough check.

"How silly can it get? Have we solved all other problems that we create new ones? Kindly take note J&K governor," tweeted Naeem Akhtar, former J&K Education minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, tagging the J&K governor.

Chief Librarian of University of Kashmir, GM Peerzada, said Alama Iqbal Library is a repository of so many rare books and handwritten manuscripts as old as 300 years.

"There are no CCTVs and sensor gates. Due to security reasons, we told children that this library belongs to you and if you can come without pheran, it would be better. For example, I was walking near the library at around 8.30 pm and I saw some people. They were not students. When I asked them where they are going, they said they want to go to the toilet. I told them the library is not to go to toilet but for reading. I asked them to show their ID card but they ran away," said Peerzada.

The ban evoked a sharp response with people questioning authorities over the decision. "Since so many people have asked me about this, I have given the relaxation and allowed people with pheran. People can come wearing pheran but they should take their hands out so that we can check them properly," he said.

The decision of the University comes days after a major row erupted in Kashmir after Zonal Education Officer of Langate banned the cultural dress in its offices.

The ban evoked sharp reactions with people creating hashtags on Twitter to support the pheran and calling for the department to revoke the ban. Drawing flak, the education department later withdrew the order in a bid to calm tempers.

Pheran is a traditional dress of Kashmir and both, men and women take pride in donning it. Older Kashmiri women wear pheran in all seasons while men prefer to wear it during winters to keep warm.

People also use kangri (a traditional fire pot) under the pheran to keep themselves warm during winters. In 2014, the Army had to withdraw its advisory urging journalists not to wear pheran while visiting its Corps Headquarters.