Kochi: On Friday, July 26, students allegedly affiliated with the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, caused a major disturbance at Nirmala College in Muvattupuzha. These students, reportedly supported by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), demanded a separate area within the college for offering namaz, a Muslim prayer ritual.
The controversy began when a teacher objected to students performing namaz in a classroom. In response, the students escalated the situation by barricading the Principal in his office, holding him hostage for several hours. They released him only after he received assurance that the matter would be discussed with the college management and a response would be provided by July 29.
Nirmala College, a prominent autonomous institution in the state, is operated under the Kothamangalam Arch Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Students at the college are already permitted to attend Friday prayers and offer namaz at nearby mosques. Kevin Peter from the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Actions (CASA) informed the media that there are three mosques located just 200 meters from the college, one of which even welcomes women for prayers. Observers question the necessity of the new demand for a namaz facility within the college.
On July 26, four girl students offered namaz in a classroom, sparking the protest when a teacher objected. Professors suggested that the girls could go to the nearby college hostel to offer namaz, but the students insisted on having a facility within the college premises. Many believe this incident reflects growing religious fundamentalism in the state, potentially influencing young students. Observers fear that conceding this demand could lead to similar requests in other educational institutions, possibly escalating to demands for mosques on campuses, reminiscent of the hijab agitation in Karnataka, which turned violent.
The Catholic Congress Global Committee issued a circular condemning the mainstream political outfits supporting the students’ demand, alleging that some students are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Nirmala College. The circular questioned why non-Muslim management should arrange facilities for namaz for Muslim girls while mosques do not permit women to attend Friday prayers. It suggested that Muslim clergy should facilitate prayers for women in mosques.
The incident brings to mind the case of Malayalam Professor T.J. Joseph from Newman College, Thodupuzha, 20 kilometers from Nirmala College. Both colleges are under the same management. On July 4, 2010, PFI terrorists chopped off Professor Joseph’s hand, alleging blasphemy, and the college management did not show sympathy towards him.
The recent developments at Nirmala College have caused significant anxiety among Keralites, raising concerns about the potential rise of religious fundamentalism in educational institutions across the state.
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