• Source:JND
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A controversy sparked on Monday after a school teacher in South Africa allegedly cut off a religious sacred thread from the wrist of a Hindu student. The act from teacher escalated an outrage from the locals, community members referring action as "insensitive and irresponsible".

The incident reportedly took place last week in KwaZulu-Natal province's Drakensburg Secondary School. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) strongly criticised the act and has demanded a strong action by education authorities. The teacher allegedly cut off the thread by referring to the school rules. The teacher allegedly said that the school does not allow students to wear cultural or religious symbols.

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In a press statement on Sunday, the SAHMS defined the act as "insensitive" and "irresponsible". "The SAHMS strongly condemns the insensitive and irresponsible action of an educator cutting off a religious string from a Hindu learner," SAHMS said in a press statement on Sunday.

The organisation further stated that it is trying to get more details regarding the alleged case of religious intolerance, but they are not able to investigate properly as the victim is refusing to provide details in fear of further victimisation. Ashwin Trikamjee, SAHSM president, said that both the principal and the chairman of the school's governing body revealed that they were Hindus in a telephonic discussion with the organisation chief.

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"They were very defensive about not allowing any religious discrimination at their school, both declaring that they themselves had rings and strings on their hands, but we have not had anything officially in writing yet," Trikamjee said in an interview with South Africa-based Indian radio station Lotus FM.

The South African constitution clearly states that any discrimination on the basis of religion is illegal. Trikamjee further blamed the education ministry for not providing exact and clear instructions to the schools and colleges.