Management terms incident ‘misunderstanding’, urges calm

Baramulla, Apr 12: Amid the row over controversial remarks of the principal, the management of Delhi Public School (DPS) Baramulla has termed the incident as “misunderstanding” and being interpreted “selectively” and misrepresented in the public domain.

The development comes a day after the district administration along with the district education authorities convened a meeting with the chairman of the school regarding the prevailing situation in the school over the last few days.

As already reported by this newspaper, the students of DPS Baramulla on Friday staged a protest in the premises over alleged ‘controversial’ remarks of the school principal forcing the latter to apologise to the students. In the meantime, the school management issued a clarification stating that content being circulated regarding the alleged incident does not reflect the true facts and was presented out of context, leading to “unwanted confusion” within the school community. The management however expressed regret over the situation and appealed to stakeholders, including parents, educationists and civil society to maintain calm and exercise restraint. “We deeply and apologetically regret for this unwanted confusion, if any, within our DPS Baramulla family,” reads an official statement issued by DPS Baramulla. The management, however, alleged that certain elements with “vested interests” were attempting to give the issue a communal colour. “Our institution has consistently upheld respect for all faiths and traditions. The ethos of school is rooted in dignity, mutual respect and inclusive educational practices,” the management said.

Referring to the incident, the school described it as an “isolated situation” that occurred earlier in the day and led to avoidable confusion at the premises. “Emotionally sensitive matters require clarity and balanced understanding rather than speculation,” it statement reads. The management further highlighted the role of parents in the growth the saying the continuous support from the parent community has enabled the school to maintain strong ethical and academic standards.

The management of DPS Baramulla reiterated its commitment to transparency and the well-being of students and urged the parents and community to act “responsibly while engaging with information and to help preserve the sanctity of educational spaces.” “We request everyone to exercise discretion and support an environment that strengthens unity, mutual respect and educational purpose,” the school management said. As earlier reported, the management of DPS Baramulla closed the school for Saturday after student protest erupted inside the premise on Friday. Meanwhile, a group of parents representing the Parent Body of the DPS school also appealed to the students to continue their classes from Monday. “We appeal to the students not to resort to any sort of protest but should focus on their education. The parents will maturely deal with the school management regarding the prevailing situation in the school,” the parents said.