School students in Rajasthan rally for Muslim teachers suspended over ‘Love Jihad’

Students from Government Senior Secondary School in Odpur, Rajasthan, staged a protest outside the office of the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Sangod town against the suspension of three Muslim teachers, who were accused by Hindutva groups of false religious conversion and 'Love Jihad.'

Students, marching several miles from their village school in Khajuri to the SDM office submitted a memorandum urging the authorities to revoke the suspension of the Muslim teachers – Shabana, Firoz Khan, and Mirza Mujahid. They refuted the claims made by a Hindutva outfit, Sarva Hindu Samaj, which alleged that the teachers were coercing students into converting to Islam.

The students clarified that one of the students in question had voluntarily converted to Islam and had left the school in 2020, disputing the allegations of forced conversion. Expressing their disillusionment with the media portrayal of the incident, the students accused certain outlets of disseminating false information while overlooking the truth.

During interactions with the SDM, the students remained resolute in their demand for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended teachers, dismissing attempts to explain procedural necessities.

Backing the students' claims, twelve out of fifteen teachers, all Hindus, refuted the allegations of religious conversion or 'Love Jihad' within the school premises. The acting principal, Kamlesh Singh Berwa, vouched for the efficiency and professionalism of the suspended teachers, emphasizing their dedication to teaching without bias.

In response to the accusations, Firoz Khan, one of the suspended teachers, expressed bewilderment, asserting his unfamiliarity with the student in question due to his focus on primary-level education. He highlighted the discriminatory nature of the suspension, attributing it solely to their religious identity.

Echoing Khan's sentiments, Mirza Mujahid underscored his confidence in a fair inquiry by the education department. While expressing disappointment at the lack of consultation with students, fellow teachers, and villagers prior to disciplinary action, Mujahid affirmed their readiness to accept any punishment if found guilty.