BHAVNAGAR – The Gujarat education department has launched an inquiry after an Independence Day skit at a Bhavnagar school portrayed burqa-clad girls as “terrorists,” sparking anger and protests from the local Muslim community, reported the Hindu.
The incident occurred on August 15 at a girls’ primary school in Kumbharwada. A video that circulated online showed students in white outfits performing to a patriotic song, followed by three girls wearing burqas and carrying toy guns, who appeared to “shoot” their peers. The background audio referenced the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which civilians had been killed by militants.
Community members, led by the Bandharan Bachao Samiti, protested against the skit, condemning it as offensive and Islamophobic. “This drama unfairly casts our community in a negative light. Accountability must be ensured,” said one representative.
Following the uproar, the District Education Officer directed the Bhavnagar Municipal School Board to conduct an investigation and submit a detailed report within a week.
Board administrative officer Munjal Badmaliya confirmed the probe, stating, “We have appointed a coordinator to look into the matter. Preliminary findings suggest the school had no intention of hurting sentiments.”
According to officials, the principal explained that the skit was meant to depict Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam attack. Badmaliya further clarified that the children used burqas instead of black cloths, which were initially planned but unavailable. “The purpose was to honor the armed forces, not to malign any community,” he said.
The education department has assured that the inquiry will thoroughly examine all aspects before a final decision is made.
