Do not observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day; it will lead to religious polarisation and social tension, says Higher Education Minister 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher Education Minister R Bindu urged colleges in the state not to observe 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' on August 14. She said that observing Partition Horrors Day could lead to religious polarisation and social tension. The government has issued directives to colleges regarding this matter.

Meanwhile, Governor Rajendra Arlekar has once again written to Vice Chancellors, urging them to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day tomorrow. The letter also requests details of the programs planned on each campus. Several VCs and registrars have received the letter. However, both KSU and SFI have decided to prevent such events if organised. Dr K Sivaprasad, Vice-Chancellor of the Technological University, stated that colleges have been directed to hold the programs tomorrow.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had strongly criticised the Governor's decision to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. He said that those who mocked Mahatma Gandhi when he tried to quell riots during India's partition are the same elements pushing this agenda. The CM added that issuing directives from Raj Bhavan to implement the political agenda of the Sangh Parivar is unconstitutional. He called the Governor’s move to commemorate Partition Horrors Day on August 14 objectionable and emphasised that universities should not be used as a platform to implement such agendas.