Parents and local Jamath members staged a protest at a government aided school for allegedly forcing Muslim students to drink ‘nilavembu kashayam’ when they were observing Ramadan fast.
The incident took place on Tuesday at Palakarai.
As reported in The Hindu, as part of steps to combat dengue and other types of fever by the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation, the pupils of classes 6 and 7 of Holy Redeemer’s Girls Higher Secondary School were given the siddha medicine.
When the students pointed out that they were observing fast, the teacher not take no for an answer for their request and were “forcefully” given the kashayam stating that it has nothing to do with fast and is only aimed to increase immunity.
When the parents and local Muslims came to know about the incident, they thronged the school in large numbers and staged a demonstration.
The protesters annoyed with the incident reportedly attacked the watchman of the school, creating tension. Members of Holy Redeemer’s Church thronged the spot and argued with the parents.
The police, revenue and corporation officials acting on tip-off rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
The corporation has postponed supply of nilavembu kasayam to the Holy Redeemer’s School for the time being.
N. Rajeshwari, corporation Health Officer said that the children were not forced to drink the kashayam.