Shimla School Withdraws Notice For Pre-Eid Celebrations After Threat From Right-Wing Outfit

A private school in Shimla canceled pre-Eid celebrations after threats from a right-wing group.

A private school in Shimla was threatened of protests after it issued notice for pre-Eid celebrations in the institution. (Representational Image)

Source : Unsplash

A private school in Shimla withdrew its decision to hold pre-Eid celebrations on the premises after being threatened by a local right-wing outfit. 

The Auckland House School had issued a notice asking primary class students to dress up and bring food for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on March 28, the last Friday before the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, reported The Indian Express.

However, a local right-wing organisation Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti warned to hold protesters outside the educational institution. The outfit termed the directions as against the principle of secularism and warned the school to "gherao" and take legal action against it if the decision was not withdrawn. 

It also alleged that the school's action was intended to create communal discord and threatened to take legal action if the school failed to retract its decision, which it said was aimed at promoting Islam, reported The Times of India. 

'Effort To Appreciate Cultural Diversity'

State education minister Rohit Thakur reacted to the controversy saying the issue was being escalated needlessly to disturb communal harmony. 

As the school withdrew its decision, it clarified that the planned Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations for students from nursery to Class II were part of its efforts to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity—just as they celebrate Holi, Diwali, and Christmas.

Stating that the school's highest priority was the safety of children, in a message to parents, stated: "It was intended purely as a cultural learning experience, with no religious rituals, and enforcement and participation was entirely voluntary."

Assam University Denies Permission For Iftar Party 

Last week, authorities at Assam University, Silchar refused permission for a student-organised iftar party on campus saying religious programmes are not allowed within its premises. 

The event was planned to be hosted on Saturday, however, they were forced to cancel the event due to a delay in getting permission. 

The Registrar of the university said, "This office doesn't involve directly into religious matter and therefore cannot officially permit any religious activities."