Christian schools face action in Karnataka for closure

The closure of Christian educational institutions across the country on Friday in protest against the violence against Christians in Orissa has incurred the wrath of the BJP Government in Karnataka with the Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishweshar Hegde Kageri deciding to initiate action against the schools and colleges.

Taking serious exception to the closure of an estimated 2,000 educational institutions run by Christians in the State, Kageri made no secret of his disappointment in the matter. “I am upset with their decision. The Catholic Council has not taken the Government’s permission before declaring a holiday for the educational institutions”, he told reporters in Bangalore.

Kageri said he had directed the Education Department officials to initiate appropriate action against the educational institutions in Karnataka that remained closed on Friday following which the officials were preparing to issue notices. Based on their reply, further action will be taken against the Christian institutions.

“Educational institutions should not be made tools for such issues. This will impact the sentiments of young minds and affect educational activities”, Kageri opined.

But, Kageri came under flak from Congress and JD (S) leaders for trying to “browbeat” the minority institutions, which were protesting against the violence unleashed against Christians in Orissa by the pro-Hindutva groups.

“The Indian Constitution guarantees them right to protest. They have a right to show their protest to the violence against Christians in Orissa by closing down schools and institutions run by them”, former Minister and senior Congress leader D K Shivakumar said.

JD (S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy lashed out at the BJP Government in the State for initiating action against the Christian schools. “What will the Government do if the Christian run institutions decide to close down? The Government should pay more attention to building bridges between different communities and promote harmony in the society instead of threatening institutions run by the minority groups”, Kumaraswamy said.
Meanwhile, pro-Hindu groups took out rallies in various parts of Karnataka including Mangalore and Chikmagalur on Saturday to protest the closure of Christian run institutions in the State.