At one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were served from a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food prepared separately by different cooks and served in separate classrooms, despite all attending the same classes. After taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the school due to falling enrollment. The incident has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests. Marpi Agargi, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit an Action Taken Report within a fortnight.