MMU objects to ‘Vande Mataram’ singing competition in J&K

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of religious groups, objected to government departments in Jammu and Kashmir organizing a singing competition featuring the patriotic anthem "Vande Mataram." The MMU stated that expressions rooted in non-Islamic belief systems raise concerns for Muslims. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader within the MMU, expressed concern over attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers outside Jammu and Kashmir, while CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami requested intervention from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti condemned the harassment of Kashmiri vendors in Haryana, highlighting their right to freedom of expression.