NSF warns against Vande Mataram in Nagaland institutions; CBCC backs stand, citing Article 371A, religious freedom concerns statewide.
Share
DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday warned against any attempt to introduce or play Vande Mataram in institutions across Nagaland and expressed strong displeasure over BJP legislator Temjen Imna Along’s remarks supporting the recitation of the song in Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
In a press statement, the NSF condemned what it termed attempts to “justify and normalise the imposition of the Indian national song in institutions within the state,” reiterating its earlier opposition to a directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating that Vande Mataram be played or sung before the national anthem during certain high-level official functions.
According to the NSF, Vande Mataram carries “strong and undeniable religious connotations rooted in the worship of Hindu deities” and any attempt to enforce or institutionalise its recitation within the NLA or public institutions would violate the spirit of Article 371(A), which protects the unique religious and social practices of the Naga people.
The federation stated that portraying the song as purely secular and historical “deliberately ignores the legitimate concerns raised by communities whose faith and cultural identity do not align with its religious imagery.”
Also read: Vande Mataram row deepens: Nagaland Christian body rejects MHA directive
Expressing disappointment over Minister Along’s position, the NSF said it was “extremely unfortunate” that the legislator had chosen to publicly defend the recitation of Vande Mataram, stating that such advocacy risks undermining the preservation of Naga identity, faith and rights.
The federation further questioned why the state government had referred the matter to a Select Committee to examine its applicability, saying it sees “no rationale” for doing so when the move “clearly undermines the safeguards provided under Article 371(A).”
Warning against any attempt to introduce the song in institutions, the NSF stated that Vande Mataram must not be played in administrative or educational institutions, including Nagaland University, or in any public institution across the Naga homeland.
TheNSF also cautioned its federating units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and directed that such practices “must not be allowed within their respective jurisdictions under any circumstances.”
Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) issued a separate statement expressing support for the position taken by the NSF and legislators who have opposed the move.
The CBCC termed the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs a violation of freedom of religion in secular India.
It said that while Christian schools in many states are not permitted to display the cross, “the significant symbol of Christianity,” the imposition of chanting Vande Mataram in all schools across the Naga homeland was “ridiculous.”
The council further stated that pushing the Christian community to do what it does not believe in would invite resistance to what it termed religious subjugation.
“The Church of Jesus will not bow before any authority on earth and will not be coerced by any pressure,” the CBCC stated, adding that it would strongly support any individual, party or organisation that defends the Christian faith and protects the Church.