Srinagar, Nov 6, 2025: The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of major Muslim religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has strongly criticised a state government directive instructing schools to organise musical and cultural programmes in celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, calling the directive “coercive” and fundamentally incompatible with Islamic teachings.

In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, the MMU said that singing or reciting Vande Mataram is “un-Islamic” because the national song contains expressions of devotion and reverence that contradict the fundamental Islamic belief that Allah is one, or Ahad in Arabic. The MMU noted that Islam strictly prohibits acts of worship, reverence, or devotion directed to any entity other than the Creator. According to the body, compelling students or institutions to engage in activities that conflict with this principle is not only inappropriate but also violates the freedom of conscience guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

The statement comes in direct response to a government-issued circular that asked schools across Jammu and Kashmir to organise programmes marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, which falls on November 7. The directive included musical and cultural presentations intended to celebrate the national song, originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterji and recognised as India’s national song by the Constituent Assembly. The MMU expressed concern that the directive effectively coerces students into participating in practices that conflict with their religious beliefs, describing it as both “unjust and unacceptable.”

In its statement, the MMU urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to immediately withdraw the directive. The organisation emphasised that the move appears to be part of a broader attempt to impose a particular ideological narrative in the region, stating that it seems to reflect an “RSS-driven Hindutva agenda under the guise of cultural celebration.” The MMU argued that this approach does not promote genuine unity or respect for India’s diverse cultural and religious landscape but instead risks creating tension in a Muslim-majority region.

The MMU also highlighted that the love and patriotism of the Muslim community for India are unquestionable, but that such devotion should be expressed through socially constructive actions such as service, compassion, and contributions to society rather than through ritualistic participation in cultural exercises that conflict with religious beliefs. The statement underscored that Muslims in the region have historically demonstrated their commitment to the nation through acts of civic responsibility and social engagement, and these forms of participation should be recognised and encouraged by government authorities.

The directive to celebrate Vande Mataram comes on the heels of a Union Cabinet decision on October 1, 2025, to observe 150 years of the national song across India. The BJP has announced plans to commemorate the anniversary with nationwide events starting November 7. Party leader Tarun Chugh stated that Vande Mataram serves as a source of inspiration for all Indians, emphasizing its historical and patriotic significance. The celebrations are set to include events at public venues, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending a grand programme at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi to mark the occasion.

While the BJP and central government emphasise the symbolic and unifying aspects of Vande Mataram, the MMU argues that enforcing participation through government directives in schools, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations, infringes on the religious freedoms of students and educators. The organisation’s leaders maintained that such mandates risk alienating a community that is historically committed to India’s social and political development. The MMU also warned that policies that appear to conflate national identity with religious practices could deepen divisions and undermine efforts to foster harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has experienced complex socio-political challenges for decades.

The MMU statement further critiques what it describes as a pattern of ideological imposition, arguing that the directive is part of a broader political strategy to advance a uniform cultural narrative in regions with diverse religious and cultural traditions. The body asserts that cultural and patriotic celebrations in India must be inclusive and sensitive to the beliefs of all citizens, particularly in areas where religious minorities constitute a significant portion of the population. Forcing participation in acts that are incompatible with religious beliefs, the MMU said, risks politicising culture and using it as a tool to marginalise certain communities.

In addition to calling for the withdrawal of the directive, the MMU appealed to educational authorities to adopt a more inclusive approach to national celebrations. The organisation suggested that schools could commemorate national milestones through secular activities such as essay competitions, debates, art projects, community service initiatives, and other creative engagements that allow students to express patriotism without conflicting with their religious convictions. By offering alternatives that respect religious sensitivities, authorities can celebrate national heritage while promoting inclusivity and social cohesion.

The MMU’s position aligns with broader debates in India about the intersection of national identity, cultural practices, and religious freedoms. While Vande Mataram holds historical significance as a symbol of India’s independence movement and has been recognised as the national song, questions have arisen periodically about its appropriateness in multi-religious settings due to its devotional language and references. Over the years, various religious and community groups, including segments of the Muslim population, have raised concerns about mandatory participation in recitations or singing of the song, advocating for voluntary and context-sensitive approaches to national observances.

Critics of the government directive argue that the focus on compulsory performance in schools risks alienating minority communities, potentially undermining efforts to strengthen national integration. They stress that true patriotism can be expressed in myriad ways beyond ritualistic adherence to cultural symbols. The MMU’s statement underscores this perspective by emphasising that patriotic devotion is demonstrated through tangible contributions to society, community engagement, and service-oriented activities rather than through coerced participation in artistic or musical exercises.

Observers note that the controversy over the Vande Mataram directive in Jammu and Kashmir reflects larger tensions between state-driven cultural initiatives and the diverse religious landscape of the country. The MMU’s response signals an insistence on protecting the constitutional rights of students and citizens, particularly their right to freedom of religion and conscience. It also highlights the delicate balance authorities must maintain when promoting national symbols in pluralistic societies.

The directive’s implementation in schools has the potential to spark debates across political, educational, and religious circles, not just in Jammu and Kashmir but nationwide. As India commemorates the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the discourse surrounding the MMU’s objections raises fundamental questions about the role of the state in cultural observances, the boundaries of religious freedom, and the principles of inclusive citizenship.

In conclusion, the MMU’s statement articulates a clear demand for respect, inclusivity, and constitutional adherence in government directives. By calling for the withdrawal of what it deems a “coercive” order, the MMU highlights the need for policies that celebrate India’s national symbols in a manner that acknowledges and respects the country’s religious diversity. The organisation emphasises that fostering patriotism does not require compromising faith and that national unity is best served through inclusivity, dialogue, and recognition of the pluralistic nature of Indian society.