Communal remarks on Onam: Thrissur school suspends teacher after police case

Kunnamkulam/Thrissur: The Kunnamkulam Police have booked a teacher of Sirajul Uloom English School, Kallumpuram, Kadavallur, for alleged communal remarks against the institution’s Onam celebrations. The teacher, identified as Khadeeja, faces charges under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot.

The remarks triggered strong criticism from parents and local organisations. Following the registration of the case, the school management suspended the teacher pending inquiry.

According to the complaint filed by DYFI Kadavallur North area leaders, Khadeeja circulated WhatsApp voice messages claiming that participation of Muslim students in Onam festivities and related rituals would amount to shirk (polytheism). In the audio clip, she is purportedly heard saying that Onam is a festival related to Hinduism and that Muslims should refrain from taking part in it.

However, in an official statement, the management clarified that the comments were Khadeeja’s “personal opinion” and not that of the institution. It stressed that the school has always celebrated Onam in a grand manner and would do so this year as well, with programmes, including an Onasadya, on August 28.

The DYFI and the CPM announced a protest in front of the school, condemning the teacher’s remarks.