History Master’s exam question on Prophet sparks protests in Ranchi

There were violent protests in and around Ranchi University on Thursday as students objected to a question on Prophet Mohammed...

There were violent protests in and around Ranchi University (RU) on Thursday as students objected to a question on Prophet Mohammed in the MA History exam that was held yesterday. The question was: “Prophet Mohammed began his career as a trader and ended as a raider. Comment.”

Acting immediately, RU Vice-Chancellor A A Khan cancelled the exam. Following a meeting with university officials, Khan said an inquiry would be conducted to find out who had set the paper. “We have set up a committee to conduct the probe and identify the culprits within 24 hours. The culprits will be punished sternly,” he said.

As per the process followed by RU, every question paper is set by a panel of five selected teachers. “Our task now is to find out which of these five teachers was responsible for drafting and incorporating this question on Prophet Mohammed,” said the university’s examination controller A K Mahato.

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While today’s protests were initially organised by the students, the Muslim residents also joined in. Police had to resort to a lathicharge after a group of protestors tried to enter the university campus and pelted stones on the shops and vehicles nearby.

Hundreds of residents of Hindpiri, Church Road, Gudri and Kasai Mohalla participated in a protest procession, paralysing traffic for hours on all roads leading to RU. The protestors demanded immediate dismissal of the teachers who were responsible for the paper.

At the Anjuman Plaza, about 1,500 people held a dharna. “We will not lift our agitation until the culprits who insulted Prophet Mohammed are punished,” said Javed Shah, one of the participants.

Five persons were detained by the police.

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