Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland urged the state government to revoke the International Day of Yoga circular citing Article 371(A)
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DIMAPUR — The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has urged the Nagaland government to immediately revoke a circular issued by the Department of School Education directing schools to observe and participate in the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
In a press release, the association strongly condemned what it described as the government's attempt to enforce participation in the observance, particularly among schoolchildren.
Ex-PAN stated that the philosophy of yoga was contrary to Christian beliefs and said imparting such philosophies to students was unacceptable in a predominantly Christian state.
While acknowledging that yoga is practised globally as a form of physical exercise and for mental well-being, the association maintained that participation should remain a matter of individual choice and not be made compulsory.
The association said it respected all religions and upheld the principles of secularism, but alleged that the government's directive showed disregard for the religious sentiments of the people of Nagaland.
Read: NSF renews opposition to Yoga Day observance, seeks voluntary participation clarification
It further asserted that the state government has a responsibility not only to ensure the welfare of its citizens but also to uphold and protect their religious sentiments and practices as safeguarded under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
According to Ex-PAN, the directive has raised concerns over the government's commitment to protecting the state's constitutional safeguards and the faith of its people.
The Ex-PAN appealed to the state government to withdraw the School Education Department's circular with immediate effect.
It also urged the government to write to the Government of India expressing the people's opposition to what it termed the imposition of an alien culture and practices, while demanding that the provisions of Article 371(A) be upheld in both letter and spirit.