The incident in Sonbhadra highlights communal sensitivities; the Muslim community raises concerns over selective targeting and freedom of expression
SONBHADRA – A government school teacher in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district has been suspended after a Facebook post she shared went viral following the terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
The teacher, identified as Zeba Afroz, was accused of making communal remarks on social media that some termed “provocative,” while others believe the post was misunderstood and that she is being unfairly targeted for expressing her views.
The case has stirred sharp reactions from both the administration and the local public. But as the news gained traction, members of the Muslim community and civil rights activists have begun questioning whether the punishment is proportionate or politically motivated.
Zeba Afroz, who works as an assistant teacher at Primary School Maloghat in Chopan block, reportedly shared a post on Facebook in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
In the now-deleted post, she wrote: “The loyalists of the country have always been Muslims, traitors have always been Sanghis.”
Another comment allegedly referred to the Agra murder of a youth named Gulfam, where Zeba reportedly used strong language while condemning the accused.
While her statement clearly intended to defend the patriotism of Indian Muslims and criticise extremist elements, the phrasing triggered outrage among a section of the public, especially among those aligned with right-wing ideologies.
Screenshots of her post were widely circulated on WhatsApp groups and local community pages, with demands for her immediate dismissal and even arrest.
Reacting promptly, the Basic Education Officer (BEO) of Sonbhadra suspended Zeba with immediate effect under the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant Conduct Rules, 1956.
In an official press statement, the BEO said: “A teacher has to maintain an atmosphere of peace and learning. Such divisive remarks are in clear violation of service rules. The teacher has been suspended, and an inquiry is underway.”
An investigating officer has been appointed to look into the incident. The officer has been asked to submit a detailed report within 15 days.
As the news spread, many members of the Muslim community expressed concern over what they called “selective outrage” and questioned whether expressing a political opinion should result in suspension.
Mohammed Saifuddin, a retired teacher from the region, said: “People call Muslims anti-national all the time and nothing happens. But the moment Muslims speak with pride about their patriotism, they are branded communal. Is it now a crime to say Muslims are loyal citizens?”
He added, “Her comment may have been strong, but what about all the hate speech circulating on social media every day? No action is taken against them.”
Over the past few years, there have been multiple cases where Muslim professionals — especially teachers and journalists — have faced punishment for their social media activities, while similar comments by others have been ignored.
In 2022, a Muslim teacher in Bareilly was suspended for liking a post critical of the ruling government, and in another case from Kanpur, a Muslim journalist was detained for posting a tweet calling for peace during a communal clash.
“We are being pushed to the wall,” said Fatima Rizvi, a college lecturer in Varanasi. “Teachers, doctors, journalists — all are being made examples of if they are Muslim. What kind of justice is this?”
Legal experts say the case raises important questions about freedom of speech versus the responsibility that comes with government service.
Advocate Irfan Haider, a lawyer from Lucknow High Court, said: “The teacher’s comment is political in nature, not incitement to violence. The Constitution allows for political expression. However, the conduct rules for government employees do require neutrality in public spaces.”
He added: “But let’s also be fair. If neutrality is expected, it must be enforced on everyone equally. Hundreds of government servants post pro-government and anti-minority messages every day and face no action.”
The public in Sonbhadra and neighbouring districts appeared deeply divided. While some locals said the teacher had crossed a line, others said the anger was fuelled more by prejudice than principle.
Ramesh Yadav, a resident of Chopan, said: “She should not have made such a statement. Teachers are role models.”
However, a school colleague who requested anonymity defended her, saying: “Zeba Madam is one of the kindest teachers in our block. Her intention was not to offend anyone. She just wanted to defend Muslims against the usual blame game that happens after any terror attack.”
Despite the storm the case has created, there has been no statement from mainstream political leaders.
However, some local Muslim leaders have spoken up. Maulana Qari Salman of Jama Masjid Sonbhadra said: “It’s time to stop treating Muslims as permanent suspects. We condemn terrorism, but don’t silence us when we speak up against prejudice.”
This case has reminded many of earlier incidents where Muslim voices were punished or silenced.
In 2021, a Muslim school teacher in Aligarh lost her job for reciting a poem on communal harmony which mentioned Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The complaint was filed by a right-wing group claiming she was “spreading Islam.”
In another case, a Muslim principal in Ghaziabad was transferred after she organised an event where children sang the national anthem and also recited a few lines of Allama Iqbal’s poetry. Right-wing groups accused her of “Islamic propaganda.”
“There’s a clear double standard,” said Prof Aneesur Rahman, a political analyst based in Delhi.
“One community’s patriotism is always under question, and their pain is rarely acknowledged. That’s not the idea of India that our Constitution promises.”
For now, Zeba Afroz remains suspended. An inquiry is ongoing, and her future as a teacher hangs in the balance.
Sources close to her say she is shocked and emotionally devastated, having served the school for over 12 years with an otherwise clean record.
Her husband, who did not wish to be named, said: “She just wanted to speak for peace and respect for Muslims. Now she’s being made an example. Our children are traumatised.”
This incident is not just about one teacher, but about the larger state of communal relations and freedom of speech in India.
As voices grow louder on both sides, it becomes clear that what’s at stake is the space for Muslims to express their pain and patriotism without fear of punishment.
While the investigation may clear or confirm the teacher’s violation of service rules, the real question remains unanswered: Can Indian Muslims speak up for themselves without being labelled anti-national?
For now, Zeba’s words — whether offensive or defensive — have set off a conversation that needs to happen: not about punishment, but about the right to be heard without prejudice.
