Srinagar, The Indian Army’s decision to cancel a seminar focused on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Indian Penal Code 2023 in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) came after significant criticism from local political factions. The seminar, initially scheduled for March 26 at the Kashmir University auditorium, was aimed at raising awareness about these legal frameworks. The move to cancel reflects the complex interplay between military initiatives and regional political sensitivities.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Army had extended invitations to media houses for the event titled “Navigating legal frontiers: Understanding Indian Penal Code 2023 and the quest for Uniform Civil Code.” However, the initiative faced immediate pushback from regional political leaders, highlighting concerns over the Army’s engagement in issues deemed politically and religiously divisive within the sensitive context of Kashmir.

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah was among the vocal critics, questioning the propriety of the Army’s involvement in discussions on the UCC, a subject that is not only politically charged but also central to the ruling BJP’s manifesto. Abdullah’s critique underscored the traditional apolitical and areligious stance of the Indian Army, suggesting that the seminar could compromise these foundational principles.

Further criticism came from NC’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, who called upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) to evaluate the appropriateness of the Army’s involvement in such discussions during the enforcement period of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed disapproval, pointing to a perceived trend of the Army playing a partisan role in the region’s political affairs.

The seminar’s cancellation was attributed to the implementation of the MCC, indicating the Army’s recognition of the concerns raised by political leaders and their commitment to maintaining neutrality in political matters.