A video of a play performed during Independence Day celebrations at a school in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar has gone viral on social media, triggering controversy and prompting an official investigation.

The play, which was allegedly based on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, shows girls wearing white salwar-kameez and orange dupatta, performing on a song describing peaceful Kashmir playing in the background. In the next scene, some burqa-clad girls carrying guns, signifying the terrorists, enter and shoot the dancing girls.

The video of the play has gone viral on social media, leading to criticism and concerns over the depiction of terrorists wearing burqas, with some alleging that it could hurt communal sentiments.

Following the backlash, school principal Rajendra Dave responded, stating that the play was based on the theme of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor. He said the performance was carried out by girl students from the school’s Kanya Vidyalaya section.

“In the play, some students represented terrorists, some played soldiers, and others portrayed victimised women. Those assigned to act as terrorists were instructed to wear black clothing. However, they chose to wear burqas. Our intention was never to hurt any community or group. The objective was to foster respect for Independence Day and the armed forces among students,” Dave explained.

The school clarified that the play was part of efforts to instil patriotism and awareness about national security in students, and denied any communal or political intent behind the depiction.

Munjal Baldaniya, Administrative Officer of the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation’s Primary Education Committee, said the issue came to their attention via social media. He confirmed that an enquiry had been initiated.

“The video is under investigation. There were holidays in between, but after the probe is completed, we will issue a show cause notice to the school principal and teachers. Since the school is run by the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, the Primary Education Committee will handle the questioning and further action,” Baldaniya said.

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