Educational institutions in Mokokchung district stage peaceful protest against Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive on Vande Mataram.
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MOKOKCHUNG — Educational institutions across Mokokchung district observed symbolic and peaceful demonstrations on March 16 in opposition to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directive mandating the singing of Vande Mataram during school assemblies and official functions.
The protest was spearheaded by the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), in alignment with directives from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
AKM president Lanulemba Longchar, accompanied by his team, visited several schools to coordinate and oversee the demonstrations, which took place simultaneously at NSF headquarters and affiliated units.
According to Longchar, all government and private educational institutions in the district participated in the protest in a disciplined and orderly manner.
Regular classes proceeded smoothly while students and staff expressed solidarity with the NSF's call through symbolic vigils and non-participation in any rendition of the song, he said.
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He informed that positive reports were received from all six ranges of Ao land, confirming that the demonstrations remained peaceful and focused on raising awareness against the perceived attempt to introduce or enforce the playing/singing of Vande Mataram in schools and administrative institutions.
The AKM president termed the MHA directive as an "assault on secularism" and a form of "cultural imposition" that disregards the distinct historical, cultural, and religious identity of the Naga people.
He further reaffirmed the AKM's complete opposition to any enforcement of the song and expressed firm support for the NSF's stance on the issue.
He also declared that the organisation would continue to boycott the rendition of Vande Mataram, regardless of potential consequences, citing Nagaland's unique identity and the broader principle that India, as a diverse nation, must uphold secularism.
“Let people express their patriotism in their own way, not through compulsion,” Longchar asserted, citing the importance of voluntary expression over mandatory observance.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines issued in February 2026, requiring the full six stanzas of Vande Mataram to be sung before the national anthem at official events and in school assemblies, have triggered demonstrations and growing concerns from different sections across Nagaland.