The Jammu and Kashmir Education Department has launched an inquiry after a video surfaced on social media showing students at a government school in Doda district singing what officials called an “inappropriate song” during their morning assembly, The Indian Express reported.
The video from the Government Middle School in Sichal shows students singing: “Pukarti Ma Bharti, khoon se tilak karo, goliyon se aarti” (Mother India calls, mark your forehead with blood and use bullets for worship). A teacher, who was filming the assembly, is heard saying, “You can see the scenes, the children have come to school, and the morning assembly is in progress… Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!”
An activist named Raja Shakeel filed a complaint with the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Doda, alleging that students were being exposed to “extremist and violent” content.
Following the complaint, CEO Iqbal Hussain issued an order stating that the video showed students reciting a prayer “deemed inappropriate for minors.” The order said that the complainant had raised concerns about the psychological effects of such teachings on young children.
“In view of the seriousness of the matter, an inquiry committee is hereby constituted to conduct a thorough investigation and submit its factual report within two days, along with specific comments and recommendations,” the order stated.
Hussain also told The Indian Express that the teacher’s salary has been withheld pending the outcome of the inquiry, and that further action will be taken once the report is submitted.
