Mumbai: Schools divided over staying shut after IC Colony shootout

St Francis D’Assisi School in IC Colony declared a holiday. Pics/Satej Shinde

In the wake of the shootout at IC Colony, Borivli, on Thursday evening, some schools in the vicinity preferred to stay shut on Friday. Mid-day visited various schools in the area and other schools in the vicinity to find out the ground situation. While some declared a holiday on Friday, others continued classes with heightened security protocols in place.

Rev Fr Wilfred Monteiro, Principal of St Francis D'Assisi School in IC Colony said, "On the request of parents and concerns regarding students' safety, we decided to declare a holiday on Friday. Our syllabus is almost complete but at this point, the students' safety is our priority."

Mary Immaculate Girl's High School at IC Colony remains closed

A representative of Mary Immaculate Girls High School said, "The school management decided to remain closed on Friday. As our school is very close to the shootout site, anything can happen if a huge mob gathers. Citing this and the concerns addressed by the parents, we declared a holiday." Some schools in Borivli and Dahisar decided to stay open. Don Bosco High School, Borivli West in an official announcement to the students on Thursday night, said, "Dear parents residing in the IC colony area please note, if the children are unable to come tomorrow to school due to the ongoing situation, then that's ok, however, the school will work as usual."

St Anne's School in Borivli West shared that, given the majority of their students are not from IC Colony, they are maintaining regular school operations. However, they have informed IC Colony-resident parents that it's acceptable not to send their children if they feel uncomfortable due to the ongoing situation. Similarly, Rustomjee School in Dahisar, conducting board exams, is operating normally, with strict gate security ensuring added safety for students by permitting entry only with prior appointments. The Mumbai Police have responded to the incident by deploying additional personnel to provide bandobast, at various key locations in IC Colony. This visible police presence is intended to reassure residents and deter any further incidents of violence or unrest.

Datta Nalawade, DCP zone 10 (Zone 11 additional charge) while talking to midday disclosed, "We are in constant contact with both the schools (private and municipal) administration and concerns related to security will be addressed on a priority basis. Additionally, our patrolling vans are constantly visiting schools to make sure about the safety of the students and school staff. Over 200 personnel from SRPF and various police stations have been deployed across IC colony for bandobast to make sure about the safety of the residents."