‘Wish they watch national anthem, patriotic songs’
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today that the people who spread venom against religious institutions run by the minorities should see national anthem and patriotic songs presented by the students of Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom Educational Institution whose golden jubilee programme he attended today in the border district of Poonch.
Addressing the gathering, Omar said he wish those people who speak against such religious institutions had a chance to sit here and watch this programme where they celebrated the Constitution Day and sung national anthem and patriotic songs.
Without naming the BJP or its wings, he said they are not tired of spreading this propaganda that in these institutions, nothing is taught other than hatred and sectarianism… In these institutions, nothing is given attention other than religion. He invited them to come and meet these children and understand what kind of education is given in these institutions.
“I wish those who spread hatred would come here and spend a day. Maybe, they will understand that the propaganda and poison being spread against us by peddling lies, they are not being loyal to the country,” Omar said.
However, he maintained, the religion is not forgotten; religion is taught. “But along with religion, what is it that is not being taught to children here?”
Asserting that this was not a Government function and if they wanted, they would not have done it as there was no compulsion to read out the Preamble of the Constitution, the Chief Minister said those who lecture others on Constitutional values should look at the Institute’s contribution to harmony.
He praised the students, teachers and administration, particularly Jamia’s founder Maulana Ghulam Qadir for consistently upholding brotherhood and supporting peace during delicate situations.
“Whenever the situation became sensitive or there was a natural calamity, Ghulam Qadir and this institute were among the first to stand up and come in support of the Government,” Omar said.
He said the Constitution Day must inspire a daily commitment to uphold the values of equality and justice enshrined in the country’s founding document, cautioning that rising religious discrimination in education undermines the very spirit of the Constitution and added that the Constitution Day should not be reduced to a symbolic observance.
“Today, Constitution Day is being celebrated. The meaning of Constitution Day is not that we remember the Constitution for an hour. Its meaning is that every day of the year, we must keep it alive,” he said, noting that the Preamble grants equal status to all religions, ensures democratic rights for every citizen and guarantees protection under the law.
Apparently referring to admission controversy in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) Katra, the Chief Minister said the country was witnessing a trend where even educational institutions were being viewed through a communal lens.
“Today, in one of the Medical Colleges, it is being said that Muslims and non-Hindus should not study here. If we set aside merit and start making decisions on the basis of religion, then where will the Constitution go?” he asked.
Various Hindi bodies including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (BHP), Sanatan Dharam Sabha and the BJP have been demanding revocation of the first list of admissions in SMVDIME and reserving the seats for those who have faith in the deity. The controversy was sparked by right-wing Hindu groups who protested the selection of 42 Muslim students in the first list of 50 MBBS candidates.
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