Several organisations have called for a Nizamabad bandh on Monday after a school principal in Telangana’s Armoor alleged that he was assaulted for teaching Urdu to students, sparking political and communal tension in the district.
The controversy centres around Amer Khan, principal of Bharat Chandra School, who claimed that a group of BJP workers entered the school on Saturday and questioned him over teaching Urdu to non-Muslim students before allegedly attacking him.
Speaking to the media, Khan said the language was introduced only after repeated requests from parents.
“The parents wanted their children to learn Urdu. After their request, the management approved it and appointed a teacher,” Khan said.
Principal Alleges Humiliation at Police Station
Khan further alleged that after the assault, he and another teacher were taken to the police station, where they were made to sit on the floor for several hours.
“My colleague and I were made to sit on the floor for long hours. No action was taken immediately against those who attacked us,” he said.
He added that the school management had planned a separate block for Urdu classes, but the newly appointed teacher, unaware of the arrangement, conducted a combined class, which triggered the dispute.
Organisations Demand Action, Call for Bandh
The incident has triggered outrage among several social and minority organisations, which have now called for a district-wide bandh and appealed to teachers’ unions to support the protest.
They have demanded strict action against those involved in the alleged assault and protection for teachers.
The issue has also drawn condemnation from political leaders, including Amjed Ullah Khan, who called for an impartial inquiry into the incident.
BJP Alleges School Forced Namaz on Students
On the other hand, BJP leaders have accused the school management of imposing religious practices on students.
Nutala Srinivas alleged that Hindu students were being forced to offer namaz and claimed such practices hurt religious sentiments.
“This school is run by the Mallaiah Educational Trust. Such acts are not acceptable,” Srinivas said.
Parents also staged a protest outside the school, questioning whether there was any government order allowing Urdu to be taught and alleging that the language was being imposed on children.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Bajrang Dal, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also joined the protest, claiming Urdu was made compulsory after Khan took charge as principal.
