Dabolim (Goa): Students from Keshav Smriti Higher Secondary School in Dabolim, Goa, have taken to the streets to protest the suspension of their principal, Shankar Gaonkar. They fervently called upon the school authorities to immediately revoke the suspension order.

In a display of their discontent over the principal's suspension, the students marched with placards, loudly demanding the reinstatement of Shankar Gaonkar.

Viral videos of the protest showcased students expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation. They emphasized that the school bore no responsibility for the recent workshop and asserted that no one had been coerced into participating in Muslim rituals.

The students clarified that their involvement in the workshop and their decision to wear the Hijab were entirely voluntary, free from any pressure imposed by the school's administration or the principal and staff.

گوا میں مسجد درشن تنازعہ: پرنسپل کی معطلی کے خلاف طالبات کا احتجاج، کہا؛ ہمیں اسکارف پہننے پر نہیں کیا گیا تھا مجبور
One protesting girl student remarked, "We were not forced to wear the Hijab. Just like at our worshiping places and out of respect, we wore ‘dupatta’ and a scarf."

The principal, Shankar Gaonkar, was suspended on Monday, September 11, following allegations from local Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). These organizations alleged that the principal had allowed students to visit a mosque, where they were purportedly compelled to wear a Hijab in accordance with Islamic customs. Additionally, they alleged that girl students from Keshav Smruti Higher Secondary School were made to partake in Islamic rituals.

According to media reports, Pandurang Korgaonkar, Chairman of Keshav Smruti Higher Secondary School, conveyed to the protesting students that the suspension could not be revoked at present due to an ongoing inquiry.

Korgaonkar further explained that the school had received a letter from a Muslim organization regarding an educational workshop, attended by 22 students, including two Hindu and two Christian girl students. He emphasized that students were not forced to wear a scarf; both teachers and students voluntarily chose to do so. He clarified that the Muslim organization had conducted a program titled 'Mosque Open for All,' which the students had willingly attended. As a gesture of reconciliation, an apology had also been extended to groups such as the Bajrang Dal and other Hindu organizations whose sentiments were affected by the incident.

Related report: 
Goa Hijab Row: SIOI refutes claims of students made to wear hijab