SRINAGAR: The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the apex body representing all major Muslim religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir and led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has voiced strong opposition to a recent directive from the JK Government’s Department of Culture mandating schools to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram through musical and cultural programmes involving compulsory participation of students and staff.
The MMU said it views the government order as “deeply concerning” and “coercive in nature,” asserting that it infringes upon the religious freedom and conscience of Muslim students and teachers.
“Singing or reciting Vande Mataram is un-Islamic, as it contains expressions of devotion that contradict the fundamental Islamic belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed). Islam does not permit any act that involves worship or reverence directed to anyone or anything other than the Creator,” the MMU said in its statement.
The body clarified that while Muslims are encouraged to express patriotism and love for their homeland, such devotion must be reflected through service, compassion, and social contribution, not through acts that “conflict with faith.”
“Forcing Muslim students or institutions to participate in activities that go against their religious beliefs is both unjust and unacceptable,” the statement added.
The MMU alleged that the directive appeared to be a “deliberate attempt to impose an RSS-driven Hindutva ideology” under the guise of cultural celebration, warning that such steps could undermine communal harmony in the Muslim-majority region.
“This order does not promote genuine unity or respect for diversity. Instead, it deepens alienation by compelling citizens to conform to an ideology alien to their faith,” the organisation said.
Calling for immediate intervention, the MMU urged both the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Chief Minister to withdraw the directive without delay to prevent further distress among Muslim students and institutions.
“We appeal to the authorities to ensure that no student or institution is compelled to act against their religious convictions,” the statement concluded.
The JK administration has not yet issued an official response to the MMU’s objections. However, the controversy has sparked a wider debate over the intersection of faith, education, and state-mandated cultural observances in the region. (KDC)
