Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Kashmir Religious Group Protests Mandatory Vande Mataram in Schools
A group of religious leaders in Kashmir, called the MMU, is upset about a new rule that asks all schools to celebrate a song called 'Vande Mataram' for its 150th birthday.
They say that singing this song goes against their religion, Islam, because it asks people to be devoted to something other than God.
The leaders feel like the government is forcing them to do something they believe is wrong, and they think it's a way to push a certain religious idea on them.
They want the government to cancel this rule so that Muslim students don't have to do things that conflict with their faith.
They believe that loving their country should be shown through good deeds, not by singing a song that goes against their religious beliefs.
The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of religious groups in Kashmir, has strongly opposed a government directive for schools to commemorate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'.
MMU head Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated that the directive is 'coercive' and that 'Vande Mataram' contains passages that are 'un-Islamic'.
The organization argues that reciting 'Vande Mataram' contradicts the fundamental Islamic belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), prohibiting reverence to anything other than the Creator.
MMU alleges the directive is a deliberate attempt to impose an 'RSS-driven Hindutva ideology' on a Muslim-majority region under the guise of cultural celebration.
The MMU has urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately withdraw the order, stating that compelling Muslim students and institutions to act against their religious beliefs is unjust and unacceptable.
- Who
- The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of religious groups in Kashmir, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
- What
- The MMU has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to revoke a directive mandating schools to commemorate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' through musical and cultural programs, citing religious objections.
- When
- Wednesday (referring to the date of the MMU's statement).
- Where
- Schools across Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- The MMU believes reciting 'Vande Mataram' is 'un-Islamic' due to its devotional passages contradicting Islamic monotheism and views the directive as an imposition of Hindutva ideology.
MMU's Stance
Government Directive
Religious Objections to Vande Mataram
MMU's Stance
The MMU argues that reciting Vande Mataram is un-Islamic as it contains expressions of devotion that contradict the Islamic belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), stating Islam does not permit worship or reverence towards anyone or anything other than the Creator.
Government Directive
The government's Department of Culture has issued a directive for schools to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram through musical and cultural programs, with mandatory participation of students and staff.
Concerns of Ideological Imposition
MMU's Stance
The MMU alleges the directive is a deliberate attempt to impose an 'RSS-driven Hindutva ideology' on a Muslim-majority region under the guise of cultural celebration, and views forcing participation as unjust and unacceptable.
Government Directive
The directive aims to organize musical and cultural programs ensuring wider outreach and meaningful involvement of young students in the commemoration.
Nature of Patriotism and Request for Withdrawal
MMU's Stance
The MMU believes patriotism for Muslims is expressed through service, compassion, and societal contributions, not through acts conflicting with faith. They urge the administration to immediately withdraw the 'coercive directive' causing anguish and to ensure no student or institution is compelled against their religious beliefs.
Government Directive
The directive was decided upon in a meeting convened by the Union Territory's Chief Secretary, indicating official backing for the commemoration.
- Organization Opposing
- Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of various religious groups in Kashmir.
- MMU Head
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Hurriyat leader and Kashmir's chief cleric.
- Directive Issuer
- Jammu and Kashmir's Department of Culture.
- Event Commemorated
- 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'.
- Program Details
- Musical and cultural programs with mandatory participation of all students and staff in schools.
- MMU's Objection
- Recitation is 'un-Islamic' due to expressions of devotion contradicting Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) and is seen as an imposition of Hindutva ideology.
- MMU's Demand
- Immediate revocation of the 'coercive order' to prevent compelling students and institutions against their religious beliefs.
Sources
MMU slams government’s Vande Mataram mandate in schools, urges LG and CM to withdraw coercive directive
Valley on Edge: 150th Vande Mataram Year Turns into Religious Flashpoint
MMU urges revocation of ‘coercive order’ on reciting Vande Mataram in J&K schools
