Vande Mataram celebrations go unnoticed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 7 (UNI) The centenary celebrations of the adoption of 'Vande Mataram' as the national song today went unnoticed in the Kashmir Valley as majority of educational institutions in the Valley had been closed due to the flood situation.

However, Director School Education Mohammad Rafi feigned ignorance about the subject. ''I know nothing about it...I have no knowledge about it,'' he told UNI.

The state government had closed till September 9 all government schools, government-recognised private schools and other educational institutions in Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama districts besides educational zones of Hajan and Sumbal in Baramulla district.

The administration had decided to utilise the school and college buildings to accommodate the flood-affected people.

Reports from Baramulla and Kupwara received here said no government or private school sang the national song today.

However, there was no diktat or 'fatwa'' from any Muslim organisation or any Islamic cleric on the issue in Kashmir.

UNI AG VD HS1712