Peace School rejects terror charge

Kochi: M. M. Akbar, managing director of the Peace School, on Thursday, claimed that his school would never promote terrorism. He said they would legally challenge the FIR registered by the police against them. At a press meet, the management denied the allegations against the school and stated that they had never tried to disrupt the communal harmony. He reiterated that some vested interests are behind the case. He said he is an author of many books, and his speeches are available on YouTube.

"I have never made a speech spewing venom. In fact, I have written five books against terrorist activities. My profile is out there for public scrutiny," Mr Akbar added. The press meet was held after the parents insisted the management to come out and give the school's version. Regarding the objectionable content on conversion in a textbook prescribed for the second standard students, he said that the portion was not in their syllabus. Two years ago itself asked teachers not to teach the topic.

"So the police action is deplorable," he added. Regarding the reports that Merin, who allegedly joined Islamic State, was its employee, the management claimed that she was not on their rolls. "She came for an interview, but she didn't join us. She has an excellent command over language so we thought of hiring her, but she didn't join us," he said. When reporters pointed out that Ms Merin had made calls from the school, he said she might have used it the day she came for the interview.