26 Apr. 24: In a distressing turn of events, St. Mother Teresa English Medium School, located in Luxettipet, Kannepalli village of Mancherial district, Telangana, witnessed a harrowing attack allegedly triggered by a dispute over students wearing saffron attire to school. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns over communal tensions in the region.
The sequence of events unfolded on April 16 when an agitated mob of over 300 individuals descended upon the school, alleging that the Principal had forcibly interfered with students observing ‘Hanuman deeksha’ by wearing Hanuman malas. The situation escalated as the mob vandalized school property, including windows, the computer lab, and a statue of Mother Teresa at the entrance, leaving the community in shock and dismay.
According to a fact-finding report by social activists Khalida Parveen, Sarah Mathews, Kaneez Fathima, and S.Q. Masood, the school’s management vehemently denied the accusations, clarifying that they had merely requested students to seek permission for non-uniform attire and had not hindered the students’ examinations.
The tensions were exacerbated by the circulation of false information via WhatsApp, leading to widespread outrage and culminating in violent acts against the school. The mob’s actions extended beyond the school premises, with reports of them forcefully closing local meat shops owned by Muslims, reflecting a disturbing pattern of communal targeting.
The local police have registered FIRs against both the school management and the mob under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
In response to the incident, demands for a thorough investigation, protection for the school, and justice for the affected parties have been raised by concerned citizens and activists. Additionally, calls have been made for the immediate arrest of perpetrators, withdrawal of baseless charges against the school, and compensation for damages incurred.
The gravity of this incident underscores the urgent need for initiatives to promote peace and communal harmony in the region. It highlights broader societal challenges and underscores the imperative of fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities.
As investigations continue and efforts to restore normalcy unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of social cohesion and the imperative of upholding the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity in our society.
Moreover, a relay hunger strike has been organized in protest against the violence, symbolizing a collective outcry for justice and peace in the community.
