No action for closure of Christian schools in Karnataka

The National Commission for minorities said action will not be taken against the Christian educational institutions that have been served a notice following the closure of schools to protest the Orissa violence.

“We have conveyed to the authorities that educational institutions had shut for a day as a show of solidarity in reaction to the atrocities in Kandhamal and not a protest against the state government,” said Member, NCM, Harcharan Singh Josh.

On Aug 29, over 40,000 Christian educational institutions spread over the country closed in a nationwide protest after Hindu fanatics attacked Christians in Orissa, forcing thousands of local Christians to flee to forests and take shelter in relief camps.
On the same day, the government of Karnataka announced its decision to take action against Christian schools for closing without prior permission.

Karnataka education Minister Vishweshara Hegde while addressing the media said the government was considering strict disciplinary against the institutions for violating the law. In Karnataka alone over 2000 schools were closed without permission.

"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.