Pro-Palestine Mime Staged Under Police Guard at Kasaragod School Amid Protests
Kasaragod: The controversial pro-Palestine mime, which was initially halted during the arts festival at Kumbala Government HS School, was successfully re-staged today under stringent police security. The re-presentation of the mime followed a direct directive from Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, ensuring the students an opportunity to express their solidarity.
During the re-staging, the pro-Palestine placards that had led to the initial intervention by teachers were notably not displayed. Meanwhile, BJP activists who arrived to protest the performance were intercepted and cordoned off by the police outside the school premises. Various organizations supporting the mime were also present, chanting slogans around the school grounds, signaling a strong show of support amidst the controversy.
Police presence remained high around the school late into the night to maintain order. The initial incident at the Kumbala Government Higher Secondary School arts festival saw a mime performance themed on the plight of children in Palestine. During the act, participants raised placards bearing the slogan “Free Palestine,” which prompted two teachers to intervene and stop the performance by attempting to lower the stage curtain. This action quickly escalated into a commotion and a scuffle.
Following the incident, A.K. Arif, the PTA President, announced that a formal complaint would be lodged with the District Education Officer (DDE) against the teachers who obstructed the mime.
**Minister Sivankutty Affirms Commitment**
Education Minister V. Sivankutty took to Facebook to confirm that his promise to the students had been fulfilled. “I had assured that the students would be given an opportunity to present the mime that was previously stopped at the arts festival venue. That promise has come true today,” he wrote. “The creative protest of those students, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, has successfully been brought to the stage.”
The Minister further emphasized the government’s stance on fundamental rights: “This government once again loudly declares its unwavering support for the democratic and secular rights of children and their freedom of expression. By removing all obstacles and providing an opportunity for their mime to be presented, we uphold democratic values and the power of art. It is our duty to provide courage and encouragement to our children to speak out against injustice worldwide.”
He concluded his statement by commending all involved in facilitating the event: “I heartily congratulate the organizers and teachers who came forward to provide an opportunity for the presentation, and the dear students who bravely stood firm in their stance. Your courage is the hope of tomorrow. I wish you all the very best.”
This re-staging highlights the complex interplay between artistic freedom, political expression, and educational governance in Kerala, drawing significant attention to the ongoing debate surrounding global conflicts and their reflection in local cultural events.