Closure of Christian schools raises ire of Education Dept: Orissa Violence

Following the closure of all Christian schools in protest to the anti–Christian rioting in Orissa, the Karnataka education Minister Vishweshara Hegde issued notices to schools and ordered action by the state government against the school authorities.

"There is no need for Christian educational institutions to protest against something that happened in Orissa. Their main responsibility is teaching the children. By such protests, they politicize the school atmosphere," he said.

More than 40,000 Christian educational institutions spread over India closed on Aug. 29 in a nationwide protest after Hindu fanatics attacked Christians, killing over 50 and the fleeing of at least 50,000 to forests or relief camps.

On the same day, the government of Karnataka announced its decision to take action against Christian schools for closing without prior permission.

Kageri while addressing the media on Wednesday defended his action and said the government was considering strict disciplinary against the institutions for violating the law. In Karnataka alone over 2000 schools were closed without permission.

"Many of these institutions receive a sizeable aid from the Government and they cannot defy us blatantly," he said. "Why should we follow the Macaulay system of education?" he asked suggesting to develop an Indian system of education.

Opposition Congress meanwhile has lashed out against the BJP for its decision to issue notices to institutes.

Karnataka State Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters here that if BJP refused to withdraw the notices and continued with a similar attitude it would lead to law and order problems in the state, for which it alone would have to bear the responsibility.

Meanwhile, the police in Mangalore arrested 40 members of various Christian associations who were protesting Kageri's visit to the city. They however were later released on bail.

Congress leader Ivan D' Souza, who was also arrested by the police, condemned the incident and said, "We want nothing short of a full withdrawal of the notices served to Christian institutions."