On 27 September 2025, a pro-Palestinian-themed dance performance was stopped midway at Anjarakandy Higher Secondary School in Kannur, Kerala. The performance, part of the school’s youth festival, featured students presenting kolkali, a traditional folk art. However, school authorities intervened and sent the participating students offstage before the performance could proceed.
The students involved were from the higher secondary section. The school management claimed the decision was based on a violation of the youth festival guidelines, stating that the content of the performance was not in accordance with the festival manual. As the performance began, the principal and other staff members approached the stage and instructed the students to halt the act.
Another day, another Palestine propaganda in a Kerala school
At Ancharakandi School, during an event, students wore Free Palestine t-shirts instead of the designated costumes. The principal had to intervene, lower the curtains, and question the students.
Organisations are using… pic.twitter.com/U7UeTrQ1zV
— Subhi Vishwakarma (@subhi_karma) September 28, 2025
The school is operated by a society reportedly affiliated with the CPI(M). In response to the incident, members of the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) held a protest march to the school premises.
This is not an isolated case. Earlier this month, on 5 September, Kerala Police registered a case against 30 members of the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) for organizing a pro-Palestine demonstration and public meeting at Madayipara in Kannur district without official permission. The event, led by Afra Shihab, was held in an ecologically sensitive zone on Devaswom-owned land, where public gatherings are strictly restricted due to concerns over biodiversity.
According to the complaint, the participants entered the protected area around 6 PM. carrying flags and banners, allegedly causing environmental disturbance. Despite an existing ban on vehicle entry into Madayipara especially during the Onam holiday period several vehicles reportedly accessed the area in violation of the rules.
Police initiated a formal investigation after video footage of the demonstration went viral on social media platforms.
(With inputs from Media One)
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