Controversy over forcing students to recite Islamic verses in Karnataka
Hassan (IANS). A controversy has erupted in Hassan district after a private school allegedly forced students to recite Islamic verses during Bakrid celebrations.
Videos of the incident which took place at Gyansagar International School in Channarayapatna city have gone viral on social media.
Condemning the incident, Hindu activists protested on Friday.
Many have objected to the management’s decision to make Hindu and Christian students recite verses from the Quran.
Following the protest, the school management on Saturday assured that such an incident would not be repeated in future.
Hindu activists alleged that hundreds of children were asked to recite verses from the Quran on the occasion.
The video also shows a teacher giving a speech.
It was alleged that the students were made to offer Namaz. The management has clarified that they have not forced the children to recite Quranic verses and ‘Namaz’ has not been offered. This was done to create harmony and integrity.
The management said, “Only three children from the Muslim community offered prayers, while others sat with closed eyes.” The teachers claimed that the event was organized to celebrate religious festivals. The management clarified, “Not only Bakrid, cultural programs will be organized on the occasion of all festivals of different religions.”
However, Hindu organizations have called for a ‘bandh’ on Monday over the incident.
