Kohima, June 18: The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has strongly objected to the Nagaland School Education Department’s directive asking schools to observe International Yoga Day on June 21, which falls on a Sunday, arguing that the order disregards the religious sentiments of the state’s predominantly Christian population.

In an open letter addressed to the Principal Director of School Education, AKM urged the department to withdraw the circular directing government and private schools to ensure maximum participation of students and staff in the nationwide Yoga Day observance.

The student body said Sunday holds deep religious significance in Nagaland and is widely observed as a day of worship, fellowship and rest. Requiring students, teachers and school staff to attend official programmes on that day, it argued, reflects insensitivity towards local traditions and faith-based practices.

AKM also took exception to the department’s requirement that schools submit Action Taken Reports along with GPS-tagged photographs of the event, contending that such conditions place implicit pressure on institutions to comply despite the programme being scheduled on a day of religious observance.

Calling the directive a “disconnect” from public sentiment, the organisation said governance must remain sensitive to the beliefs, traditions and aspirations of the people.

“A secular society can thrive only when every community is treated with dignity and when governance remains sensitive to the beliefs and convictions of its people,” the students’ body said.

The controversy stems from a circular issued by the Directorate of School Education directing District Education Officers, Sub-Divisional Education Officers and schools across Nagaland to organise yoga sessions on International Yoga Day and ensure participation of students and staff, with photographic documentation to be submitted to the department.