The action against Principal Irfana Naqvihas been met with strong reactions, with many viewing it as part of a broader pattern of targeting minorities under the guise of enforcing regulations.
Team Clarion
BULANDSHAHR – The suspension of a government school principal, Irfana Naqvi, over an Iftar gathering at a primary school in Shikarpur has led to widespread debate, with many questioning the selective enforcement of rules in the state. The incident, which came to public attention after a video of the gathering went viral, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly within the Muslim community.
The video, widely shared on social media, shows a group of people breaking their fast inside the school premises while Islamic prayers and background music play. Reports suggest that a significant number of Muslims participated in the Iftar event on March 17. It is alleged that Principal Irfana Naqvi had granted permission for the gathering without obtaining prior approval from senior officials in the education department. Following the video’s circulation, authorities swiftly suspended her and registered a case against the event organisers.
The action against Naqvi has been met with strong reactions, with many viewing it as part of a broader pattern of targeting minorities under the guise of enforcing regulations. Critics argue that religious activities associated with other communities often take place in government institutions without similar consequences.
“This is a clear case of selective targeting. Religious gatherings of other communities have been held in government institutions, but only Muslims seem to face punitive action,” said local activist Aslam Qureshi. “If rules are to be enforced, they should apply equally to all.”
A resident of Shikarpur, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned why Hindu religious events in schools do not receive the same scrutiny. “We have seen Saraswati Puja and havans being organised in schools with the participation of teachers and students, but no action is taken in those cases.”
Defending the decision, Shikarpur’s Assistant Basic Shiksha Adhikari (ABSA), Aman Gupta, stated, “No event can be conducted in government schools without official permission. Principal Irfana Naqvi violated this rule by allowing the Iftar gathering without seeking prior approval, which is why action has been taken.”
However, opposition parties have criticized the government’s stance. A local leader from the Samajwadi Party commented, “This is an example of the double standards that exist in Uttar Pradesh today. If this Iftar gathering was such a serious violation, why don’t we see similar actions against those who hold religious functions of other faiths in public institutions?”
Hindu right-wing groups, on the other hand, have supported the suspension. “Government schools should remain neutral spaces. If anyone wants to conduct religious events, they should do so in private areas,” said a spokesperson of a local Hindutva group. “The rules are clear, and they must be followed.”
This incident is not the first of its kind. In 2022, a video showing students performing Hindu religious rituals inside a government school in another part of Uttar Pradesh went viral. Despite the clear religious nature of the event, no action was taken against the organizers or school authorities. Similarly, several government offices in the state have been known to hold pujas and special prayers with the participation of officials, yet no suspensions or legal actions have been reported in those cases.
The suspension of Irfana Naqvi has revived discussions about religious freedom and equal treatment in public spaces. While government rules may prohibit unauthorized gatherings, many believe the lack of uniform enforcement raises serious concerns about discrimination against Muslims.
Legal experts argue that unless clear and impartial guidelines are implemented, such incidents will only deepen social divisions. “This is not just about one event; it is about fairness. If rules exist, they must be enforced equally,” said a lawyer representing Naqvi.
Ramadan continues, many in the Muslim community feel increasingly alienated and targeted. The controversy over the Iftar gathering has become yet another focal point in the ongoing debate about religious freedoms, government policies, and social harmony in Uttar Pradesh.
