A Muslim woman teacher in Uttar Pradesh has been suspended after she posted a message of solidarity with Himanshi, one of the survivors of the recent Pahalgam incident. The teacher, who worked at a government-run school, is accused of making “sensitive and controversial” remarks on social media that were allegedly interpreted as politically charged.
According to officials from the district education department, the teacher’s post was flagged by right-wing groups, who demanded immediate disciplinary action. Authorities responded by placing her under suspension pending an inquiry, citing potential violation of the model code of conduct and public service rules.
The teacher, however, defended her post, stating that her intention was merely to express empathy for a woman who had suffered trauma. “I condemned the violence. I only said no woman should go through what Himanshi did. This has nothing to do with religion or politics,” she reportedly told colleagues before being served the suspension order.
Civil rights activists and educators have condemned the suspension, calling it an attack on freedom of expression and a dangerous precedent for targeting minorities for voicing humanitarian concerns.
The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many pointing out the shrinking space for dissent and the growing intolerance toward Muslim professionals in public roles.
