Hindu Munnani protests after students asked to remove rakhi

Tension prevailed outside the Government Boys Higher Secondary at Kavindapadi in Bhavani Taluk when members of the Hindu Munnani staged a protest outside the school alleging that students were asked to remove rakhi by a teacher here on Monday.

It was alleged that the Physical Education teacher had last week asked the students to remove rakhi and play. On Monday, when the school started functioning, members of the Hindu Munnani gathered in front of the school and raised slogans. They said that recently Minister for School Education, Sports and Youth Development K.A. Sengottaiyan had clarified that students can wear wristbands that portray their religious sentiments. They demanded action against the teacher failing which they threatened to stage protest across the district. When they attempted to march, Kavindapadi police prevented them. Protesters entered into altercation with the police and they were removed in police vehicles.

Later, the headmaster clarified that since the band would disturb the students while playing they were asked to remove only during sports period and wear it later.

The Director of School Education had in a circular sent to district educational officers on July 31 said that students should not be allowed to wear colour-coded wrist bands and also sport forehead tilaks as caste markers. However, after the move was opposed by various political parties and outfits, Mr. Sengottaiyan said that the circular was issued without his knowledge and added that the existing practice will continue.

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