Major General P B S Lamba, General Officer Commanding (GoC) HQ 31 Sub Area, and J&K law secretary Achal Sethi are also expected to attend.

Topics that will be discussed include “challenges and benefits of moving from a system of diverse personal laws to a uniform legal code”, “how a uniform civil code aligns with the principles of secularism”, “how uniform civil code may contribute to upholding individual rights and freedom”, and “specific reforms needed for family law and inheritance laws, highlighting the potential benefits and concerns associated with UCC”.

In a post online, former CM and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah asked: “Is it appropriate for the Indian Army to get involved in the divisive issue of the uniform civil code and that too in a sensitive area like Kashmir? There is a reason the Indian army has remained apolitical and areligious. This ill-advised UCC seminar is a threat to both these basic tenets. Going ahead with this risks opening up the Army to charges of getting involved in the murky world of politics coupled with interfering in religious matters.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, former CM and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said, “Indian military is the fourth strongest and one of the most disciplined forces in the world. But since BJP has weaponised religion and is infiltrating it into all sacred institutions of the country – the Army seems to be yet another casualty.”

BJP’s media in-charge in the Valley, advocate Sajid Yousuf, said he is “not the right person to comment” on the subject and the question should be posed to the Defence spokesperson.

The Defence spokesperson did not respond to queries regarding the seminar.