Karnataka: Missionary School 'Throws' Raksha Bandhan Wristbands In Dustbin, Triggers Row

The miffed guardians sought to know what was the harm in allowing 'Raksha Bandhan' when the missionary school had no objection with 'Friendship Day'.

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New Delhi: A controversy erupted in a Christian missionary school in Karnataka’s Mangaluru after Raksha Bandhan wristbands tied to the wrists of some students were allegedly removed forcibly and thrown into the dustbin, new agency PTI reported.    

According to the report, following the alleged incident, some parents of the students, along with a few other Hindu activists, questioning the incident, stormed the Infant Mary English Medium High School at Katipalla district on Friday.

The police, too, reached the spot to bring the situation under control.

The miffed guardians sought to know what was the harm in allowing 'Raksha Bandhan' when the missionary school had no objection with 'Friendship Day'.

Notably, the head of the institution, 'Vandaneeya' Santosh Lobo, told the parents that he was not aware of the incident and added that he has always welcomed 'Raksha Bandhan' as it is a good tradition.

"Raksha Bandhan is a good tradition. Hindu brethren used to tie bands on my wrist. I am new here. I came just two months ago. For six years, I used to get rakhi tied on my wrist in Kasaragod (in Kerala). We were happy with that. I request you not to misunderstand the situation," PTI quoted him as saying.

Lobo further told the parents and activists that Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated in his institution and that no one can object to it.

"I will call those children and tell them that there is no problem in tying rakhi,” he said, adding, "Without bringing to my notice, an incident happened. At 9 pm (on Thursday), a police officer came and told me that one such incident had happened. I was surprised because we are a harmonious society and we do not tolerate hurting the religious sentiments of other faiths, and we should not encourage it."