Is PM Modi’s selfie with Kashmiri students coerced too?
Despite the early morning rain, many students in Kashmir walked barefoot on the muddy and stony path to Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). They were heading to attend Prime Minister Modi's speech on International Yoga Day, as it was “MANDATORY” for them to be present.
After the event, PM Modi shared selfies with students on social media, which immediately went viral. Amid allegations of forced and mandatory attendance orders issued by educational institutions, the selfies became part of the controversy of dissent and debate.
“If he thinks he has done such an amazing job [in Kashmir], he should have the courage to let people decide whether they want to participate in his event or not,” said a Srinagar resident. “What kind of democracy and integration is he proving by forcing people?”
At the heart of the controversy lies a series of notices bearing the ominous stamp of "MANDATORY” and “ensure”. These notices, distributed across universities and higher secondary schools, decree the compulsory attendance of students and staff at PM Modi's address for International Yoga Day.
“The attendance for the event-related to PM’s address on the eve of International Yoga Day- has been made MANDATORY by the university for the students and staff of the IG/PG programmes,” read one of the notices of Srinagar’s Cluster University.
An order from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of Colleges read, “The International Day of Yoga 2024 will be observed by all NSS Units, Universities, Colleges and Schools on 21" June in a befitting level. In this regard, you are requested to inform the concerned faculty nominated by you (List enclosed) and ensure their participation in Yoga day at SKICC, Srinagar on 19°/ 20* June for dry run at 04:30 A.M and 21* June, 2024 for the main event at 04:30 A.M.”
Another circular issued from the University of Kashmir’s Registrar’s office stated, “In partial modification and continuation to the previous Circular dated 15.06.2024 issued in connection with the "Live Youth Interaction Session" to be addressed by the Hon'ble Prime Minister at Convocation Complex, University of Kashmir on June 20*, 2024 (from 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM), all the Heads/Coordinators/Directors of Departments/Centers of the Main Campus and Zakura Campus are hereby impressed upon to ensure the participation of all the Assistant Professors and Contractual lecturers posted at their respective departments/units/centres in the aforesaid interaction session.”
It added: “Further, participation of all the Officers to the rank of Section Officer in the event is also mandatory.”
Anonymously sharing their thoughts, students expressed dismay over the coercion tactics employed by authorities. “It seems nonsensical and unfair that certain activities and events are made mandatory for students. These kinds of mandates, in my opinion, should not be imposed on us,” said a final-year student from a Srinagar college.
“If someone genuinely wishes to participate in these events or activities out of their own free will, that’s perfectly fine. They should absolutely have the freedom to do so,” the student added.
This latest incident is not an isolated one. In March, the authorities were accused of forcing Kashmiris to participate in PM Modi’s rally. Many employees claimed that they were “dragged out” of their homes for their attendance in the rally.
Today, in response to the recent visit’s allegations, local political leaders and activists also raised their voices in condemnation.
Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister of Kashmir, said, “An occasion for celebration has become one that fills people with dread. A day before International Yoga day all govt employees along with school children have been ordered to show up at different venues at ungodly hours. Even pregnant employees have not been spared. A pregnant employee was threatened to choose between her job or being present at the event.”
Another prominent person in the Valley, Raja Muzaffar, an activist, tweeted, “In connection with International Yoga Day celebrations Female Govt Employees were asked to reach SP College Srinagar at 4 am yesterday. They left their homes at 3 am & were asked to change their dress in College & then go to SKICC. Not a Fair practice.”
However, the Director Colleges J-K responded to the allegations saying that “all participants in the Yoga Day celebrations have volunteered to take part in the event and no employee was compelled to join the event against their will.” “The employees were not required to change their clothing. They were provided with long tunics to wear over their existing attire, ensuring their comfort and convenience,” the statement said.
The statement also added that the employees’ well-being was prioritized. “Pregnant employees and those with medical conditions were not asked to participate in the Yoga Day celebrations.”
The Director urged everyone to “verify facts before spreading false narratives that can cause unnecessary concern and confusion.”
Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, wrote on X, “Reports and videos surfaced showing employees forced into walking barefoot in an event organised for Prime Minister. The way this administration has treated the employees shows its disregard for respect and basic rights of the employees. And this behaviour is unacceptable. If these reports are true, @PMOIndia should apologise for this disrespectful treatment of the employees.”
Khusboo, who reached SKICC at 4 am and requested anonymity fearing reprisal from the authorities, said everyone, from older employees to school students, had to walk barefoot for at least a kilometer to attend the event. “It was made compulsory for us to attend the event otherwise our department might have taken action against us,” she said.
During PM Modi's two-day visit to Srinagar, the city was under tight security. Police and armed forces personnel patrolled the streets, setting up numerous checkpoints where locals were frisked. The usually bustling markets and streets were noticeably quieter and tenser. Preparations for Modi's address on International Yoga Day were underway, adding to the activity, but the overall atmosphere reflected strict surveillance and control.
Hussain Anwar, a 28-year-old tourist from Agra, arrived in Kashmir a day before International Yoga Day at 9 pm. “I didn’t know the prime minister was coming to Kashmir. Everything is shut since the morning. We had to change our first-day plans,” he said. “We have never seen this kind of security anywhere.”
However, as PM Modi left the Valley, it seemed to come back to life with traffic on the roads and easier movement for locals.
