MMU urges withdrawal of order making Vande Mataram observance mandatory in schools

November 5, 2025 by News Desk

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of all Muslim religious organisations in Jammu Kashmir headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has expressed serious concern over a recent directive issued by the Jammu Kashmir Government’s Department of Culture, instructing schools across the region to commemorate the 150th year of Vande Mataram through organised musical and cultural programmes ensuring participation of all students and staff.

In a statement, the MMU said that 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).

The body noted that Islam does not permit any act involving worship or reverence directed toward anyone or anything other than the Creator.

While emphasising that Muslims are deeply encouraged to love and serve their homeland, the MMU said such devotion should be reflected through service, compassion, and contributions to society, not through acts that conflict with one’s faith.

Forcing Muslim students or institutions to participate in activities that contradict their religious beliefs, it said, is unjust and unacceptable.

The statement further alleged that the directive appears to be a deliberate attempt to impose an RSS-driven Hindutva ideology on a Muslim-majority region under the guise of cultural celebration, rather than promoting genuine unity and respect for diversity.

The MMU urged the administration, led by both the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister, to immediately withdraw the “coercive directive” which, it said, has caused anguish among Muslims, and to ensure that no student or institution is compelled to act against their faith.