- ABVP stages Hanuman Chalisa protest
Betul, Madhya Pradesh – A missionary school in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, became the scene of intense protests today after students were allegedly prohibited from wearing tilak to school. Activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a vocal demonstration, culminating in a collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa within the school premises.
The dramatic events unfolded at the Little Flower School when ABVP members arrived around 11 AM, alleging that the school administration had forced students to remove their tilaks and sacred threads (kalavas). As their demands for an explanation and resolution went unmet during discussions with the principal, the situation escalated. ABVP activists reportedly attempted to enter the principal’s office, leading to scuffles with the police who had arrived on the scene to manage the escalating tensions.
= Confrontation with police and staff involvement
The three-hour-long protest saw heated exchanges between the ABVP members and the authorities. The school staff also became involved as the activists’ resolve intensified, creating a chaotic atmosphere that required significant effort from the police to bring under control.
= Hanuman Chalisa recitation and warning of larger protests
Undeterred by police intervention, the ABVP activists sat down within the school grounds and began chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. They issued a stern warning, stating that while only 50 individuals were present for today’s protest, they would return with 5,000 supporters if their concerns were not addressed.
= Official assurance and de-escalation
The standoff finally began to de-escalate when a planning officer from the School Education Department made an official announcement from the stage, clarifying that the school does not impose any restrictions based on religion, caste, or rituals. Following this assurance, the ABVP members concluded their protest.
