A controversy occurred at Nirmala College in Muvattupuzha, Kerala, after a group of students from the Muslim community requested a space for offering namaz. The college, which is run by the Catholic Church, has declined their request which created a lot of debates among people.
Muslim Students Prayer:
The issue began on Friday when female Muslim students approached the college administration to allocate a room for prayer. After their request was denied, other students joined them and reportedly protested and appealed directly to the college principal, Father Kannadan Francis.
College Principle Answer:
Father Kannadan Francis explained that a complaint had been received regarding the use of a common room for namaz. He said that a mosque is located just 200 meters from the college, and male students are permitted to go there for prayers.
However, he highlighted, "However, the girls wanted to use a college room for their prayer, saying that they were not allowed at the mosque. We have told them the college cannot allow a room for prayers,"
BJP Politician Reaction:
The controversy has attracted political attention, with BJP state president K. Surendran accusing "extremist elements" of attempting to disrupt institutions managed by Hindus and Christians.
He said, "Extremist elements are behind the demand. The Left and the Congress are supporting it. Do colleges under Muslim management give premises for prayer for students from other religious communities? If Muslim groups are trying to foment trouble at colleges, BJP will give protection," he said.
Surendran suggested that such demands are politically motivated and questioned whether colleges managed by Muslim groups offer similar provisions for students of other faiths. He vowed that the BJP would offer protection if needed.
SFI Reaction:
The Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), affiliated with the CPI(M) and Indian Union Muslim League respectively, have distanced themselves from the dispute.
SFI state president K. Anusree stressed that the organization supports secularism on campuses. Both groups clarified that their members were not involved in the demand at Nirmala College.
