The Hindu : National : Muslim institutions defy orders in Rajasthan

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Friday, Sep 08, 2006

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Muslim institutions defy orders in Rajasthan

Special Correspondent

Muslim educational institutions defy State Government's orders

JAIPUR: Schools, colleges, political parties and social groups across Rajasthan joined the nation in singing Vande Mataram on Thursday amid opposition by Muslim educational institutions which defied the State Government's orders to collectively render the song.

Collective singing of the national song was organised at the State headquarters of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Opposition Congress, while the groups such as Rajasthan Samagra Seva Sangh, Anuvrat Samiti and Arya Samaj held the function at Gandhi Circle here.

The function at Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters was organised by Congress Seva Dal and attended by AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot, Seva Dal chief Kailash Soyal and party leaders Pradyuman Singh and Ashk Ali Tak.

There were reservations on singing the song in the minority institutions. Chairman of the Awami Madrasa Board, Abdul Qayoom Akhtar, said the song went against the Islamic concept of monotheism and its imposition on Muslims was against the constitutional provisions of freedom of religion.

Education Minister Ghanshyam Tiwari led the officials of the Education Department in the recital of the song. Mr. Tiwari said those opposing the song were "communal elements."

In Gujarat

In BJP-ruled Gujarat, Muslims joined in large numbers the mass recitation of the Vande Mataram. Though the State Government had issued a circular earlier making recitation compulsory for its employees and the staff and students of aided schools and colleges, it had not issued any diktat to the minority institutions and other self-financed educational institutions.

But with the exception of a few, many of the minority institutions in the State voluntarily organised group singing both by the students and staff members. Most Muslim government employees at various levels attended the official functions for its recitation, despite objections by a section of the minority leadership.

In Himachal Pradesh

Shimla Staff Correspondent reports:

The song was sung on Thursday `everywhere' by the people of Himachal Pradesh, a government spokesman claimed. A State-level function was held at the Secretariat Complex under the leadership of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

In Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal Staff Correspondent reports:

People sang the national song in schools, colleges, and Government offices across Madhya Pradesh on Thursday morning.

State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan led a huge assembly of officers at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel park to sing Vande Mataram at 11 a.m. Earlier he went to the headquarters and sang the song along with other State party leaders, including former Chief Minister, Sunderlal Patwa and State Finance Minister Ragahvji.

In Jammu

Jammu Staff Reporter reports:

The song was sung in the educational institutions of the urban areas of Jammu. However, in the militancy-affected rural areas, it was not sung. The BJP organised a function at the party headquarters in Jammu, chaired by state president Nimal Singh. Jammu and Kashmir State Vishwa Hindu Parishad also had organised a celebration.

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