Srinagar: The government order asking colleges in Jammu and Kashmir to hold "large-scale suryanamaskar" events for Makar Sankranti, to be celebrated on Friday, has drawn criticism from various Kashmir parties on Thursday.
Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister of J&K and president of the Peoples Democratic Party, said such orders by the Centre "demean" and "humiliate" Kashmiris.
Omar Abdullah, National Conference vice-president and former chief minister, tweeted asking whether the BJP would be happy if a similar order was issued ordering non-Muslim students to observe Eid.
According to the administration order, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on 14th January 2022, a large virtual Surya Namaskar will be organised under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Additionally, it orders the colleges to "ensure that every faculty member and graduate student is actively involved in this programme".