Protesters could not stop closing of this 85-year-old school

The District Education Officer, who came to implement a Kerala High Court order to close down the more than 85-year-old Mangattumury-aided Lower Primary School this morning, had to face stiff resistance from agitating locals who included members of Parents-Teachers Association and Students Federation of India activists, they said.

They were dispersed by police deployed at the spot, SI Baburaj said, adding that there was no untoward incident. Later, the officials entered the school premises, secured the documents and effected the closure.

About 25 SFI activists were taken into custody in connection with the protest, the SI said. About 80 students are studying in the school at present, he said.

During the third week of May, education department officials had to turn back twice without implementing a court order on closure of an aided upper primary school in Kozhikode district, following protest by locals.