Kottayam: Tense situation prevailed at the Muvattupuzha Nirmala College in Kottayam when a section of students protested demanding to allow space for conducting Friday prayers (Jumah) on the college premises. A section of students supported by various student political groups staged a protest in front of the principal’s room demanding space to conduct Friday noon prayers.
The protest began when few girls were offering Namaz at a rest room adjacent to the principal chamber on July 15th. A senior faculty of the college who noticed it objected to the girls’ conducting prayers and advised them to offer prayers at a mosque situated next to the college.
However, the girls who replied that they were offering prayers at the place for the past one year left the place and informed their colleagues who took up the matter with the principal.
Meanwhile, more students supported by the SFI, KSU and MSF pledged support for the girls and protested outside the principal chamber leading to a war of words.
However, the college management said no religious activity will be allowed on the campus as it is a secular institution. Students who give a written request will be allowed to go to the nearby mosque for prayers and they will be given relaxation on attendance.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Congress in its press release asserted that it cannot allow students to perform Namaz at its college premises, however has made it clear that the college authorities have no issues allotting time for students from the Muslim faith to perform Friday prayers at the mosque nearby.
It also added that the ‘Mahal committees should make the necessary arrangements for girls to perform Namaz at their mosque so that they don’t have to use the premises of the institutions for performing prayers
Mahal committee admits mistake, says will hold talks
The Muvattupuzha Mahal committee has revealed that there was mistake on the part of the students who protested for exclusive spaces within the college premises to perform Namaz.
“Yes, there was a mistake on the part of the students. We will look into the matter after holding a discussion with the management of the college and try to solve the matter in an amicable manner.
The protest began when few girls were offering Namaz at a rest room adjacent to the principal chamber on July 15th. A senior faculty of the college who noticed it objected to the girls’ conducting prayers and advised them to offer prayers at a mosque situated next to the college. Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
