Kochi: The request by two Muslim girls and their parents to conduct 'namaz' on the premises of a church-run school in Kothamangalam has sparked significant controversy. The school administration has strongly opposed the demand, citing their policy against public religious rituals within the institution.

The issue arose when the students and their families asked for a designated space for Muslim prayers inside the St Joseph's Higher Secondary School here. The principal responded by stating that such activities cannot be accommodated on school grounds, although students are allowed to observe their religious practices during the allotted time on Fridays, as per Kerala Education Rules (KER).

The principal also rejected their request to leave the school premises daily for namaz, citing concerns over student safety and institutional discipline. In response, the Commission for Social Harmony and Vigilance, part of the Kothamangalam Eparchy, condemned the demand, accusing the students and their parents of trying to stir unnecessary controversy and undermine the secular atmosphere of the church-run institution.

Fr Jacob Rathapillil, Director of the Vigilance Commission, asserted that any actions threatening the institution’s peaceful environment and secularism are unacceptable. 

The students and their parents have not yet commented on the controversy. BJP Minority Morcha leader Jiji Joseph, who visited the school in response to the dispute, criticized those he believes are seeking to create issues in reputable institutions under the guise of religious concerns.

This dispute follows a similar controversy at church-run Nirmala College in nearby Muvattupuzha, where students protested against non-teaching staff allegedly blocking their Friday prayers within the college. (Agencies)