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Kozhikode: A school play has triggered a controversy in Kozhikode district in Kerala, after Muslim organisations objected to a play, in which a girl performs azaan, which is a ritual call to prayer in Islam which is generally given by a male mukri or meuzzin, as per traditions. Protesters claimed that the play, called 'Kithab', "insulted the Muslim way of life."

Angered over the depiction of a female mukri, members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) took out a protest march to the festival venue, the Times of India reported. Students of Memunda Higher Secondary School performed the play at the district school arts festival at Vadakara on Wednesday.

The play, which is based on a story by writer R Unni called ‘Vaang’, has the daughter of a mukri as the central character who wants to perform azaan just like her father. Initially, her father disapproves of his daughter's wish and refuses to allow her to perform azaan. However, he later relents gives her his permission to do the azaan.

Asserting that the play was an "insult to the Muslim way of life," Salim P Azhiyur, who is a local SDPI leader, told the daily, "The play cannot be considered social criticism. It amounts to insulting the Muslim way of life. We have submitted a complaint to the deputy director of education."

He even alluded to a political conspiracy behind the play, claiming that since Memunda school was managed by the CPM, "the party's agenda was clear in this play." He said, "It will send the wrong message about the Muslim community.”

On the other hand, PK Sreedharan, who is a teacher at the school, questioned the protests against the play saying that it raised a number of valid questions about gender. "We don't understand why there are protests against our play. Theatre often raises sensitive religious issues," he was quoted as saying by TOI.

