Muslim students in a government college in India's southern state of Karnataka have been sitting outside of their classrooms for weeks now, as they've been banned by principles and instructors from wearing their hijab in class.

The students were even asked to remove their headscarves, but they refused. The six Muslim students were accused by the college administration of defying the rules, alleging that the hijab is not part of the uniform.

The girls insist that the hijab is part of their faith, the practice of which is guaranteed by law. They've been marked absent from their classes since December 31, despite their going to university every day.

The college's principal says the students are allowed to wear the hijab on school premises, but not inside classes, as it is against college rules, according to him. The students say the administration forced them to write a letter accepting they missed the classes by staying home on their own, threatening they would ruin their careers if they did not sign.

After a photo of the girls sitting outside their classroom went viral, causing controversy members of the right-wing ABVP group held protests inside the colleges, demanding a ban on the hijab.

The state of Karnataka has witnessed an increase in Hindu nationalist activity over the last several years, with incidents targeting the state's Muslim and Christian minorities.