Tensions arose in the state of Tripura after Hindu activists sought permission to hold a religious ritual inside a Catholic-run school, prompting protests and police involvement before authorities intervened to prevent the event.
The incident took place at Holy Cross Convent School in Dharmanagar, where members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded that Saraswati Puja, a Hindu festival honouring the goddess of learning, be celebrated on the school premises on 23 January. The activists said a majority of the school’s students were Hindu and wished to observe the festival on campus.
School authorities declined the request, explaining that institutional rules prohibit religious rituals of any faith from being conducted within the school. According to the administration, this policy has been in place since the school was founded in 1999 and is applied uniformly.
The situation escalated after VHP members reportedly visited the school on 16 January, seeking information about students, including their religious background, and pressing for permission to hold the ritual. School representatives said the refusal was followed by warnings and heightened pressure, prompting them to inform local government officials and police.
Protests later took place outside the school on 22 January, leading authorities to deploy police to maintain public order. As a precaution, the school suspended classes for the day to ensure the safety of students and staff. A meeting involving parents, school officials, police and local administrators was held, during which it was decided that the puja would not be permitted on school grounds.
According to school officials, the situation was stabilised following discussions with authorities, and no injuries were reported. Government intervention ultimately prevented the ritual from being held on campus, and the festival day passed without further incident.
The VHP defended its actions in public statements, saying the request was made out of respect for students’ faith and cultural traditions, and denying any intention to create division.
Church leaders and school representatives expressed concern over the events, describing them as unprecedented. They reiterated that the school respects all religions while remaining bound by its administrative policies. Catholic leaders in the region also emphasised the long-standing role of Christian educational institutions in serving local communities, noting that students from different religious backgrounds have studied at the school for decades.
Authorities have not announced any further action, and local officials said the situation has returned to calm.
