Deputy CM Terms Order Wrong, Says Republic Day Belongs to Everyone, Not Any Political Group
Imran Naikoo
Srinagar, January 23 (Gulistan News TV) : The National Conference (NC)-led government in Jammu and Kashmir is facing sharp criticism over a controversial order mandating both government and private schools in Poonch district to send students to participate in a rally organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
According to an order, the Additional District Magistrate of Poonch allowed a “Tiranga Rally” to be organized by Kanav Bali, ABVP District Convenor, on January 23, 2025 to celebrate the 76th Republic Day.
The rally planned to mark Republic Day celebrations, has sparked a political uproar with opposition leaders and student bodies accusing the government of using education for political purposes.
PDP senior leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Parra took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the move, calling it a betrayal of pre-election promises. He accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of endorsing the ABVP rally and compelling students to participate. Parra wrote, “J&K government’s order with education department’s endorsement of an ABVP rally, forcing students to participate, was condemned by Omar Abdullah before elections. Yet now, this blatant transformation under the government stands as its only so-called ‘achievement’ in the last 100 days.”
He also highlighted unfulfilled promises of the NC government, including the restoration of Article 370, release of political prisoners and revocation of contentious laws like PSA and AFSPA.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti also condemned the order, alleging misuse of education for ideological propaganda. She wrote, “J&K’s Education Department under the NC government has made it mandatory for both private & public school children across Poonch to attend a rally organised by ABVP, the RSS-affiliated student wing that normalises anti-Muslim bigotry. Using education as a propaganda tool is unacceptable.”
The J&K Students Association termed the order “deeply concerning and unacceptable,” arguing that education must remain neutral and free from coercion. In a statement, the association said:
“By imposing such mandates, the government is not only infringing upon the rights of students but also encouraging political polarization within educational institutions. This move contradicts the essence of a democratic society.”
The Gujjar Bakarwal Students Alliance (GBSA) also criticized the administration, demanding an investigation into the decision. They stated,
“How can the CEO Poonch and DM Poonch order government and private schools to participate in the ABVP rally? ABVP is using innocent students, who are unaware of its ideology, for propaganda and politics.”
The order has also faced criticism on social media from individuals across various sectors of society.
In response to the growing criticism, Surinder Kumar Choudhary the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, addressed the issue, calling the order “wrong” and emphasizing the inclusive nature of national celebrations
Deputy CM responded to the issue during a media interaction, saying, “Whatever has happened, if the DC has issued any such order, it is wrong. Such things should not happen.This day belongs to all of us and India belongs to everyone, not just a few. This flag is ours, it doesn’t belong to any one person or group. If any political party claims it as their own, we do not agree with that.”
“Therefore, if such an order has been issued, it is wrong. January 26 and August 15 are days to remember the martyrs of our country, those who made immense sacrifices to bring freedom to our nation and to all of us.Hence, such actions should not take place and we consider them unacceptable.” he further added
(Gulistan News TV)
