Shikarpur: A government primary school principal, Irfana Naqvi, has been suspended for organizing an iftar gathering, sparking controversy and public criticism.
The event took place on March 17, and a video of the gathering quickly went viral, leading to Naqvi’s suspension. The video showed several Muslims participating in the iftar inside the school premises. Authorities allege that Naqvi did not seek prior approval from senior officials in the education department.
Following the video’s circulation, officials not only suspended Naqvi but also registered a case against the event organizers.
Defending the decision, Aman Gupta, Shikarpur’s Assistant Basic Shiksha Adhikari (ABSA), stated, “No event can be conducted in government schools without permission. Principal Irfana Naqvi violated this rule by organizing the iftar gathering without approval, leading to her suspension.”
Opposition parties strongly criticized the move. A Samajwadi Party leader remarked, “This is a clear example of double standards in Uttar Pradesh. If this was a serious violation, why aren’t similar actions taken against religious events of other faiths in government institutions?”
The suspension triggered widespread backlash on social media, with activists and public figures condemning the action. Critics argue that freedom to practice religion in Uttar Pradesh is increasingly restricted, particularly for Muslims. While Hindu right-wing groups supported the suspension, many questioned the selective enforcement of rules regarding religious gatherings in government spaces.
