J&K Youth Services and Sports order for ABVP’s kabaddi, wrestling championship withdrawn

“We have withdrawn the order. A few days ago, students from Doda came for a permission related to sports activities. The department granted the same. We were not knowing the affiliation of the students. We routinely grant permission,” Sunil Kumar, District Youth Services Sports Officer (DYSSO), Doda, told The Hindu.

The J&K government has also issued a prohibition order on granting of permission to students and staff for participation in political programmes, rallies etc.

“It is enjoined upon all the Officers including Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers and Head of Institutions of all the schools under School Education Department to not to grant any permission or give direction to students or staff (including all categories of teachers) to participate in any political programme, rally etc. organized by any political party/organisation,” the order said.

In an order issued on January 27, the Youth Services and Sports body had deputed four officials from the department for conduct of kabaddi and wrestling championship at the indoor hall, Sports Stadium Doda, from January 27 and 28. The official deputation order was in favour of the City Secretary, ABVP, who is the organising body of these events.

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) targeted Omar Abdullah’s government for allowing the ABVP events in J&K. “The NC government chooses not to rationalise the erroneous reservation policy or ensure transparent recruitment. Instead they are facilitating ABVPs events across schools in J&K. The anti-Muslim bigoted student organisation is now being allowed to hold a Kabaddi tournament in Indoor Sports Stadium Doda,” PDP leader Iltija Mufti said.

Commenting on the order, Nasir Khuehami, a member of the J&K Students Association, said, “Now, the city secretary of the RSS-affiliated ABVP is organising Kabaddi and Wrestling championships in Doda, J&K. The J&K government has deputed four officials. It is deeply concerning that RSS-BJP-affiliated wings and offshoots are using innocent schoolchildren and government employees for such events. This raises serious questions about the misuse of authority and reflects a troubling disregard for institutional impartiality.”

He urged J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to launch “an immediate investigation to determine who authorized these actions and on whose directions this is being carried out”. “The impartiality of government institutions must be safeguarded to maintain public confidence in their fairness,” he added.

The latest controversy erupted just a day after an additional magistrate in Poonch directed students, including those from private schools, to attend the Tiranga Rally of the ABVP.

Facing an outcry, J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday termed the order in Poonch as “wrong one”. “India belongs to everyone, and not just one person or party. This flag belongs to all of us. If someone has issued such a circular, it is wrong and should not have been issued because on January 26 and August 15, the country’s martyrs are remembered, who rendered sacrifices to give all of us freedom,” Mr. Choudhary said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Saturday defended the move of the ABVP. “The students association’s initiative should have been welcomed. Other students should have joined it. It should not have been politicised. Everyone has the right and responsibility to hold a Tiranga Rally, which is our pride,” Mr. Raina said.

The respective Directors, School Education Department shall ensure strict compliance of circular instructions and violation of same shall be viewed seriously and shall invite strict action under law, the order said.