Haryana: Protests Over Hijab in School Play

A controversy erupted in Sonipat‘s Badauli village this week when members of a right-wing group protested against a school program where some students wore hijabs. The incident took place at Govt Senior Secondary School on Wednesday during a play organized to promote amity and religious harmony. Students represented members of various communities, wearing attire associated with each group.

The event concluded without incident, but on Thursday, tensions rose when photos of the play began circulating on social media. Manish Rai, identifying himself as the president of the Akhand Hindu Swabhiman Sangathan, led a group of villagers to the school, where they protested against the principal and teachers. They accused the school of leading Hindu students away from their religion by having them wear hijabs.

Police were called to the scene to prevent further escalation. A school staff member reported that the protestors demanded the transfer of the principal and teachers, claiming their religious sentiments were hurt. Principal Praveen Gulia tried to explain that the school had organized the multi-faith program to promote harmony, following directions from the education department. However, the protests continued until Gulia apologized and promised not to hold similar events in the future.

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District Education Officer (Sonipat) Jitendra Kumar stated that the play was not intended to offend anyone’s religious sentiments and assured that such events would not be organized again. He mentioned that a report on the incident is being prepared and will be sent to the government soon.