Shimla school cancels Eid celebration after Hindutva threats

A private school in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla canceled its planned Eid celebrations for students following threats from a Hindutva group, The Indian Express reported.

Auckland House School had initially invited students to wear kurta-pajamas and caps and bring roti rolls with paneer, sevaiyan, and dry fruits for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on March 28, the last Friday of Ramzan, PTI reported.

However, the Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti opposed the initiative, threatening to "gherao" the school and take legal action if the event was not canceled. Members of the group alleged that the celebrations were an attempt to promote Islam in Himachal Pradesh.

Following the threats, school authorities announced the cancellation, emphasizing that the "safety and well-being of our children is our highest priority." In a communique to parents, the school clarified that the event was meant to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity, similar to how Holi, Diwali, and Christmas are celebrated. "It was intended purely as a cultural learning experience, with no religious rituals, and participation was entirely voluntary," the statement read.

Condemning the spread of "false, misleading, and communally inflammatory messages" about the school on social media, the institution reaffirmed that participation in the planned celebration had always been voluntary and involved no religious rituals or instruction, The Times of India reported.

Himachal Pradesh’s Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the matter would be investigated. He stated that the controversy was being exaggerated to provoke communal sentiments. "The message from the school administration was issued solely with the intent of maintaining communal harmony," he told ANI. He further noted that the school is a well-established convent institution and emphasized the need to verify the details of the issue.