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Key Points

A controversial mime performance about the Gaza conflict at Kerala's Kumbla school created quite a stir when it was initially interrupted. Students had been depicting the humanitarian crisis in Palestine using props and solidarity flags. The state education minister stepped in quickly, ordering an inquiry while affirming Kerala's support for Palestinian children. Despite BJP protests outside the school gates, the performance ultimately went ahead as planned on Monday.

Key Points: Kerala School Gaza Mime Staged Despite BJP Protests

  • Performance depicted Gaza humanitarian crisis using soft toy and Palestinian mother portrait
  • Student protests erupted after teacher lowered curtain during Friday show
  • Education Minister ordered inquiry and guaranteed performance continuation
  • BJP activists protested outside school claiming selective freedom of expression
2 min read

Kerala: Kumbla school's Gaza mime staged amid BJP protests

Kumbla school's Gaza conflict mime performance proceeds after Education Minister intervention, highlighting Kerala's Palestine solidarity amid BJP protests over student expression.

"Kerala stands with the children who are being hunted down in Palestine - Education Minister V. Sivankutty"

Kasargod, Oct 6

The controversial mime performance on the Gaza conflict at Kerala's Kumbla Higher Secondary School was successfully staged on Monday, despite strong protests from local BJP activists.

The performance, initially halted on Friday during the school’s two-day Kalolsavam (arts festival), had sparked a controversy across Kerala.

On Friday, the incident occurred when a group of higher secondary students enacted a mime depicting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the death of a child during Israeli bombardments.

Students used a soft toy and a portrait of a grieving Palestinian mother as props, and displayed Palestine solidarity posters and flags.

The performance was interrupted when a teacher lowered the curtain, prompting other students to continue raising slogans of “Free, free Palestine”, after which the teacher announced the cancellation of the day’s events.

The curtain-lowering led to protests from student organizations, including the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), escalating into tense situations.

Soon, when Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty was briefed about what happened on Friday, he immediately ordered an urgent inquiry, assigning the Director of Public Instruction to submit a report.

Sivankutty then said Kerala has always stood firmly against the violence being carried out by Israel in Palestine. "Kerala stands with the children who are being hunted down in Palestine,” he said, emphasizing that the students would be allowed to perform the mime again.

On Monday, despite local BJP protests outside the school, the performance went ahead, underlining the administration’s commitment to ensuring student expression and solidarity with Palestine.

“It’s strange that whenever the BJP raises issues, there’s an outcry, but when others cross the line, there’s silence. Freedom of expression seems selective,” said a local BJP leader during the protest.

The incident has reignited political tensions in Kerala over expressions of solidarity with Palestine.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support freedom of expression, schools should focus on education rather than political activism. There are children suffering in many conflict zones - why single out one particular issue? This creates unnecessary polarization.
A
Arjun K
Good decision by the Education Minister! Students have every right to express solidarity with oppressed people. Art has always been a medium for social commentary. BJP's protests show their double standards on freedom of expression.
S
Sarah B
As an educator, I'm concerned about the politicization of schools. While humanitarian issues are important, educational institutions should maintain neutrality. The focus should be on academic excellence and holistic development.
M
Meera T
Heartbreaking to see children suffering anywhere in the world. These students showed great empathy and courage. Mime is a powerful art form to convey such messages without words. More power to our youth! 🇵🇸
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Vikram M
The BJP leader has a point about selective outrage. However, protesting against students showing solidarity with suffering civilians seems unnecessary. Let children learn about global humanitarian issues - that's what education is for.
K
Kavya N
Respect to the students who stood their ground! In a democracy, peaceful expression of views should be protected. The administration did the right thing by allowing the performance despite political pressure. ✊

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