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Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed the higher education department to organise a large scale virtual ‘Surya Namaskar’ programme on Thursday, evoking sharp criticism from the mainstream political parties.
The order was issued by Directorate of Colleges, Higher Education Department, who directed Nodal Principal of two colleges—-GGM Science College Jammu and SP College Srinagar to organise the event under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Programme
“To mark the holy Occasion of Makar Sankranthi on 14th January 2022, Gol has desired that on the occasion a large Scale Virtual Surya Namaskar , be organised under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations To make it a People Centric Successful Programme with Tagline “Surya Namaskar For Vitality kindly ensure that all faculty members and students actively participate in this programme by registering on any of the following portals,” reads the order, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Observer.
It further added, “It shall however be ensured COVID Appropriate behaviour Guidelines are followed in letter and spirit,”
The order has however draw sharp flak from the regional political parties.
Former Chief Minster, Omar Abdullah while blaming the authorities posted on twitter.
“Why should Muslim students be forced to do anything, including yoga to celebrate Makar Sankranti?Makar Sankranti is a festival & to celebrate it or not must be a personal choice. Would the BJP be happy if a similar order was issued to order non-Muslim students to celebrate Eid?”
Why should Muslim students be forced to do anything, including yoga, to celebrate Makar Sankranti?Makar Sankranti is a festival & to celebrate it or not must be a personal choice. Would the BJP be happy if a similar order was issued to order non-Muslim students to celebrate Eid? https://t.co/n6luhwSm1J
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 13, 2022
Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President echoed similar view on the government’s directions.
“ GOls PR misadventures aim to demean & collectively humiliate Kashmiris.Forcing students & staff to perform suryanamaskars by issuing orders despite their obvious discomfort with imposition of something laden with religious connotations gives an insight into their communal mindset,” Mehbooba posted on her official Twitter handle
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