The controversy surrounding the demand for a prayer space by Muslim students at the church-operated Nirmala College in Muvattupuzha, Kerala, has taken a new turn. The local Mahal Committee, a prominent Muslim organisation, has opposed the students’ demands and issued an apology for their actions.
Muslim Leaders Meet College Administration
On Monday, July 28, 2024, local Muslim leaders KM Abdul Majeed and PA Basheer from the Muvattupuzha Mahal Committee met with the Nirmala College administration to address the issue. They expressed their opposition to the demand for a prayer room on the college premises and apologised for the actions of the Muslim students involved.
Basheer stated, “The demand for a room for prayers in the college was made without the consent of the Mahal Committee. The name of the Muslim Student Federation (MSF) was also dragged into this controversy with a hidden agenda. The Muslim community in Muvattupuzha wants to maintain communal harmony and will not support such steps.”
Proposed Solution and Opposition
The Mahal Committee clarified that they do not support the demand for a prayer room within the college premises. Instead, they proposed that arrangements be made for students to offer their noon prayers at a nearby mosque, allowing female students to participate as well. The Muslim Student Federation (MSF) also opposed the demand for a prayer room.
Social Media Controversy
Amid the ongoing dispute, a photo circulated on social media, claiming that the students had held the college principal hostage while demanding a prayer room. The image showed flowers placed on banana leaves outside the principal’s office, implying his death when their demands were not met.
Origin of the Issue
The issue began on Friday, July 26, 2024, when some Muslim female students offered namaz in the waiting hall of Nirmala College. College staff informed the administration, who then stopped the girls from praying there. Following this, Muslim students started protesting and demanding a separate room for daily prayers on campus. They argued that praying was an integral part of their religion and that they needed a dedicated space for it.
Subsequently, other Muslim students also got involved and allegedly gheraoed Father Francis. He clarified that there is a mosque only 200 metres from the college and boys are allowed to go there.
“Boys at the college go to the mosque at noon for prayers. However, the girls wanted to use a college room for their prayer, saying that they were not allowed at the mosque,” he was quoted saying.
College Administration’s Stance
The college administration emphasised that Nirmala College is a secular institution and does not permit prayer activities on its premises. They informed the Muslim students that they could be given leave on Fridays for prayers if they submitted a written request. The administration also noted that the mosque is only 200 meters away from the college, and students are free to go there. Christian organisations also opposed the Muslim students’ demand.
Christian Organisations React
The Syro-Malabar Church, a significant Christian organization in Kerala, termed this as religious interference in Christian institutions. The Public Affairs Committee of the Syro-Malabar Church stated that they would oppose any attempts of religious interference in Christian institutions. Another major Christian organization in Kerala, the Catholic Congress, also opposed the demand for prayer rooms.
The Catholic Congress stated, “No room or space will be provided for prayers in church-operated colleges and schools. However, students are allowed to go to nearby mosques for prayers.”
BJP’s response
BJP state president K Surendran called the demanding students “extremist elements.” He blamed the INDI Alliance constituents, the Left and the Congress for supporting the demand.
“Do colleges under Muslim management give premises for prayer for students from other religious communities? If Muslim groups are trying to foment trouble at colleges, BJP will give protection,” he added.
Background of Nirmala College
Established in 1953, Nirmala College is a Christian minority institution operated by the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. The institution has around 3,000 students and includes a church within its premises. The demand for a prayer space by Muslim students has now sparked controversy, highlighting the challenges of maintaining secular principles in educational institutions.
