Kohima: The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has called for the immediate withdrawal of a government directive requiring students and school staff to participate in the upcoming International Day of Yoga. In a statement released on June 19, the group condemned the circular from the Department of School Education as an inappropriate attempt to enforce mass observance.
While the association noted that many people view yoga as a valid form of exercise and mental health support, they emphasized that such activities must remain a personal decision. The group argued that it should be an individual choice to practice or not and cannot be imposed on anyone.
A primary point of contention involves Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, which provides special protections for the religious and social practices of the state. The association described Nagaland as a Christian state and stated that the government has a bounden duty to uphold and protect the religious sentiments and practices of the people. They expressed alarm that the circular shows an utter disregard for these local protections.
The Ex-PAN urged state authorities to cancel the order immediately. Furthermore, the association requested that the government communicate these concerns to the central administration in New Delhi to ensure that Article 371(A) is respected in letter and in spirit.
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