Kashmir Muslim Organizations Oppose Mandatory Vande Mataram Celebrations in J&K Schools

Srinagar:

Religious organizations in Kashmir have expressed strong opposition to a government directive mandating schools across Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of religious scholars and organizations, has characterized the directive as an attempt to "impose RSS ideology on Muslims under the guise of cultural celebrations." The group has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to rescind the order.

"This directive has generated significant distress among the Muslim community in the region, prompting many to seek guidance from religious leadership regarding this serious matter," stated a collective announcement from religious leaders.

Recently, the J&K government's Chief Secretary conducted a meeting where it was decided to commence these celebrations from the seventh of this month.

"The involvement of educational institutions throughout Jammu and Kashmir is essential for ensuring broader reach and meaningful participation of young students in the program," specified the order issued by the Department of Culture.

According to an official communication, the Directors of Education in Jammu and Kashmir have been appointed as nodal officers to coordinate Vande Mataram programs.

As part of the commemoration, the J&K administration plans to organize musical and cultural performances, as indicated in the order.

However, Muslim religious groups in J&K perceive these events as an attempt to impose Hindutva ideology.

"The directive appears to be a calculated effort to impose an RSS-driven Hindutva ideology on a predominantly Muslim region under the pretense of cultural celebration, rather than fostering genuine unity and respect for diversity," stated the MMU.

The coalition, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, contends that the government directive constitutes "coercion and infringes upon religious freedoms," as participation has been made mandatory for students and staff.

According to their statement, "reciting Vande Mataram contradicts Islamic teachings as it contains expressions of reverence that conflict with the concept of Tawheed, or the oneness of God."

"Compelling Muslim students or institutions to engage in activities that contradict their faith is both unjust and unacceptable," the statement emphasized.

The amalgam maintains that Islam promotes patriotism through service, compassion, and social contribution, and characterized the mandatory involvement of Muslim students as "unjust and unacceptable."

"MMU calls upon the administration led by both the Lt Governor and Chief Minister to immediately withdraw this coercive directive, which has caused distress to all Muslims, and ensure that no students or institution is forced to act against their religious beliefs," the statement concluded.