Kasaragod: Tension broke out at Kumbala Government Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod, Kerala, after teachers halted a student mime performance that expressed solidarity with Palestine. The incident took place during the school’s arts festival when teachers reportedly pulled down the stage curtains midway through the act.
The Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) launched protests demanding action against the teachers. MSF activists also interrupted a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting, accusing the staff of suppressing students’ freedom of expression. Protesters alleged that students were locked in a room to stop them from performing.
Police were called to the scene and removed the agitators from the premises. Security forces were deployed to prevent further unrest. The PTA has promised to investigate the matter and resume the arts festival once calm is restored.
The incident has sparked debate across the state about political expression in schools. Student organisations have accused the administration of bias, while teachers claim the performance was stopped to avoid controversy during a school event.
The protests reflect growing student involvement in social and political issues in Kerala, where solidarity with Palestine has often found expression through art and public events. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to set a precedent for how schools handle such expressions in future activities.
