Guwahati : Tension flared in Tripura’s capital Agartala as members of the right-wing group Bajrang Dal staged a protest today following an incident at a private Christian missionary-run school in Agartala.
Allegedly, a teacher forbade a student from wearing a ‘Hindu religious symbol’-adorned bracelet and confiscated it, sparking outrage among the activists who claimed their religious sentiments were hurt.
FLASH | Tripura: Tension escalates as Bajrang Dal protests ‘religious symbol’ controversy at famous missionary school
Tension flared in Tripura’s capital Agartala as members of the right wing group Bajrang Dal staged a protest following an incident at a private Christian… pic.twitter.com/qAOXEBv5kU
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The school authorities, acknowledging the incident as “unfortunate,” reinstated the bracelet on the student’s hand after the protest. They emphasised their commitment to secularism and stated that the institution respects all religious beliefs.
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Tutan Saha, Bajrang Dal’s Tripura state coordinator, expressed concerns about religious restrictions in missionary-run schools, asserting that such actions hinder the natural growth of children.
Addressing the media, he said, “If the school continues in this manner, it goes against the civilisation and culture of our country. The Bajrang Dal urges Hindu guardians, who fund the school, to raise their voice against these actions. While we respect the school’s religion, Hindu students should be allowed to worship Saraswati on campus.”
He further condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on Hinduism, culture, tradition, and constitutional rights.
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Manoj Nath, the father of the student and a faculty member at a state government-run college, revealed that the bracelet held significant religious value, having been brought from the Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
In response, Rev Jilson Tom, Principal of Holy Cross School Agartala, expressed regret over the incident, reaffirming the school’s commitment to secular values.
A statement issued by the school detailed the actions taken to address the situation promptly, including reinstating the bracelet on the student’s wrist as demanded by the parent and protesters.