Christian Principal and School attacked in Gujarat

(July 09, 2009) Minorities in Gujarat continue to be intimidated, harassed and attacked. The latest incident took place on July 6th in the well known 78 year old St. Stephen’s High School in Dahod, Eastern Gujarat. According to Sr. Archana, one of the teachers of the school, some girls had requested that they be permitted to come to school with henna (mehndi) on their arms. The school authorities agreed to it. However, some of the girls who were leading the school assembly prayers had plenty of henna all over their arms and were requested to wash it off as the school rules do not permit this kind of make-up. In a matter of moments, in an apparently pre-planned move, a group of outsiders broke into the school accompanied by the media and questioned the authorities about their action. They refused to listen to any kind of reason, and beat up the Principal of the school, Fr. C. Rayappan svd who received head and abdomen injuries. On the way out, the mob also threw stones at the Grotto of Our Lady breaking the glass and desecrating the statue. The Principal reported the incident to the police and DSP of Dahod who promised immediate action. No arrests have been made so far; however, according to sources, the attack was carried out by a right-wing Hindu outfit of the town. As a mark of protest, the management and staff of St. Stephen’s School wore black bands on Tuesday to school and did not hold any classes for the students