A group of Muslim religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir has objected to a government directive asking schools to observe the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, calling it an attempt to impose “RSS ideology” under the pretext of cultural celebration.

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU),  an amalgam of religious scholars and organisations led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq,  said the order has caused “deep anguish” among Muslims in the region and urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to withdraw it.

The statement came after the J&K Chief Secretary recently chaired a meeting directing the Department of Culture to begin the commemorative activities from November 7. As per the government order, schools across the Union Territory are expected to participate in musical and cultural programmes, with the Directors of Education designated as nodal officers.

MMU alleged that making participation mandatory amounts to coercion and infringes upon religious freedom. “Reciting Vande Mataram is inconsistent with Islamic teachings as it contains expressions of reverence that contradict the principle of Tawheed, or the oneness of God,” the statement said.

“Forcing Muslim students or institutions to take part in activities that conflict with their faith is both unjust and unacceptable,” MMU added, asserting that patriotism in Islam is reflected through service, compassion, and social contribution.

The group appealed to the administration to withdraw what it called a “coercive directive” and ensure that no student or institution is compelled to act against their religious beliefs.