Thiruvananthapuram: A missionary school
student of minority community was allegedly beaten up by a
teacher for attending class wearing a head scarf, angering
Muslims in Poonthura area near here.
According to a police complaint lodged by the parents of
Shemima, a seventh standard student at St.Philominas School,
their daughter was sent out of the classroom Thursday last for
wearing the `mufta`.
Another teacher tried to remove it while she was standing
outside the class and when she resisted, beat her up, it said.
Police has registered a case against the teacher on the
basis of the complaint.
Angered by the school`s actions a demonstration was held
by the `Committee for Protection of Fundamental Rights` at the
school yesterday.
As the incident sparked a row, Education Deputy Director
N Rajan conducted an inquiry and a report was submitted to the
Director of Public Instruction, Mohammed Haneesh.
Haneesh told agency that the school management had been
directed to convene a parent-teacher association general body
meeting in the presence of religious and social leaders to
sort out the issue.
"No school management will be allowed to infringe on
religious freedom. They have been asked to call a general
body soon and evolve a consensus," he said.
However, Trivandrum Latin Chatolic Diocese, that runs the
school, denied any wrongdoing on part of the education
institute`s management.
Spokesperson of the Diocese Fr. Eugene said they would
abide by any direction of the education department. "But the
management is of the view that outside interference of the
school`s affairs is not good for the students. Some people are
trying to sensationalise the issue."
He said there will not be any discrimination against
students of any section of society.
About the alleged incident he said "it was baseless" and
denied it took place.
"There is no question of harassing any student for
keeping his/her religious customs," he said.
PTI
