‘Don’t go on kanwar yatra’: UP govt teacher’s poem during school assembly sparks row; right-wing group issues threats

MEERUT: A govt teacher in Bareilly reciting a poem -- with a social message and has the terms "kanwar yatra" -- during school assembly has sparked controversy with members of a right-wing group threatening to suspend him from his job unless he apologised, warning him that there would be protests if he did not.In the 26-second clip, part of a five-minute video, the teacher is purportedly heard telling the students: "Don't embark on kanwar yatra, light the lamp of knowledge instead," while urging them to "serve humanity and become true humans." The remarks triggered a backlash online, with many interpreting them as being critical of the ongoing pilgrimage.School principal Ashok Kumar Gangwar told TOI, "I was on a two-day leave.

The poem was read by the teacher on Saturday during an activity in the school. I received information about this issue over the phone, and a clarification has been sought from the teacher." The accused teacher told TOI, "During an activity, I read a poem to the students and did not say anything wrong. However, for some time now, there has been a conspiracy against me within the school. About a year-and-a-half ago, there was an attempt to file an FIR against me, accusing me of assaulting students. When nothing was found, a 26-second video was cut to create a false narrative against me."Baheri CO Arun Kumar told TOI, "A probe is on to find out whether video is genuine or doctored, and those behind making it public. If any complaint is filed, an FIR will be lodged against teacher."