At Kumbharwada School, a disturbing drama shows Muslim girls in burqas as terrorists, sparking outrage, anger, and deep concern over rising Islamophobia
BHAVNAGAR – Independence Day, which should have been a day of unity and respect, turned into a day of humiliation for Muslims in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar. At Kumbharwada School, a play presented on 15 August has caused deep anger across the country after video footage surfaced showing young girls being dressed in burqas and presented as terrorists.
The performance, staged before children, parents, and local citizens, showed burqa-clad students carrying out terrorist acts. Critics say this was a deliberate attempt to demonise the Muslim community and normalise hate against the country’s largest minority.
“This is not a drama, this is poison,” said Shahid Khan, a social activist from Bhavnagar. “Our children are being taught that Muslims are terrorists. On the day of Independence, when we should talk about freedom, brotherhood and equality, they have chosen to insult us.”
The video of the play has now gone viral, leading to outrage. Citizens have called the act a conspiracy to spread Islamophobia. Many feel it reflects the growing atmosphere of hate being encouraged by those in power.
“This was not an accident. Dressing Muslim girls in burqas and labelling them as terrorists is a well-planned attempt to divide society,” said Fatima Bano, a mother from the area. “What message will children take home after watching this? That Muslims are enemies? This is shameful.”
The incident has raised serious questions about the role of teachers and the school principal who allowed such a play to be performed. Social organisations argue that instead of teaching respect and harmony, schools are being used as grounds to plant hatred against Muslims.
“Hatred has now entered classrooms,” said Prof Iqbal Ansari, a retired teacher. “When textbooks already show bias, and now schools are staging plays that call Muslims terrorists, what will the next generation think? This is dangerous for our country.”
For Muslims in Gujarat, such incidents deepen the sense of fear and insecurity. Activists argue that this shows how the right-wing mindset is using schools to spread propaganda against minorities. They say the silence of the administration encourages such acts.
“From streets to schools, from TV debates to social media, the Muslim name is dragged in the dirt,” said Naseem Ahmed, a lawyer. “If a Hindu boy does a crime, he is called a criminal. If a Muslim boy does the same, he is called a terrorist. Why this double standard?”
After widespread criticism, local authorities have said an investigation is underway. But so far, no official statement has been issued by the police. Community leaders are demanding strict action against those responsible.
“Freedom is meaningless if we cannot live with dignity,” said Zahida Sheikh, a women’s rights activist. “Independence Day should unite us. Instead, they have used it to insult us. This is a crime against the spirit of India.”
Muslim organisations in Gujarat have announced they will file complaints and press for accountability. They warn that such incidents, if not stopped, will destroy the fabric of communal harmony.
For many, this incident in Bhavnagar is more than just a local controversy. It is seen as another example of how Islamophobia is being normalised across the country. Critics point out that hate is now being disguised as “patriotism” and injected into the education system.
“Mahatma Gandhi was from Gujarat. He taught the world about peace and non-violence,” said Aslam Pathan, a student leader. “And now, in the same Gujarat, Muslim girls are paraded as terrorists on Independence Day. This is not Gandhi’s India. This is an insult to the very idea of freedom.”
