Padmaavat row: Some Gurugram schools to stay shut till Sunday

Fearing violence from the Karni Sena activists, many schools in Gurugram have decided to remain shut till Sunday, in view of the protests over the release of the controversial film Padmaavat. The schools which have decided to shut down till Sunday include Pathways school, G D Goenka school, Shiv Nadar school and Delhi Public school.

This move comes after a school bus was attacked in Gurugram on Wednesday. Around 25 students of G D Goenka World School were on their way home on Wednesday when a group of around 60 activists, believed to be members of a fringe group, attacked the bus with bamboo sticks and stones asking the driver to stop the vehicle.

“Student and teachers are safe. The staff of the school handled the situation quite well and the teachers didn’t let the students panic. We are grateful to our staff who were able to tackle the situation as they are trained for this,” said Neeta Bali, Principal, GD Goenka school. 

The management of these schools confirmed that they would close down as a precaution despite the district administration and the Gurugram Police assuring adequate security. “We do not want to take any risk with the life of our students. Protection of students outside and inside is our prime concern,” a school teacher said. The teacher added that a total of six schools have taken the decision to remain shut.

Gurugram Deputy Commissioner, Vinay Pratap Singh, in an appeal, said the public transport system of the city should not be disturbed.

“Some people and groups want rioting in the district but we appeal to residents and groups not to violate law and order situation. Section 144 is already imposed in the city. Violation of law and order is not allowed. The situation is peaceful in Gurugram and all colleges, schools, offices will remain open,” Singh said.

PLAYING SAFE

• The schools which have decided to shut down till Sunday include Pathways school, G D Goenka school, Shiv Nadar school and Delhi Public school.
   
• The move comes in the wake of attack on a school bus in Gurugram on Wednesday.