- DIMAPUR —
Following opposition from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the School
Education department has stopped all activities related to Society for the
Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY)
programmes until further order.
- “Consequent upon detecting certain anomalies in the conduct
of the SPIC MACAY programmes, it is hereby directed to all DEOs and school
heads concerned to hold all activities related to the said programme until
further order. This is for strict and immediate compliance,” stated an order
issued by Principal Director of School Education Thavaseelan K.
- On March 19, the NSF issued a statement asserting that SPIC
MACAY programmes, “which seek to impose alien cultural and religious practices”,
have no place in the Naga homeland.
Related story: Naga Students’ Federation opposes SPIC MACAY workshops; demands immediate halt
- “It is unacceptable that under the guise of ‘enriching
formal education,’ external forces are subtly attempting to dilute our
indigenous identity and impose a cultural assimilation agenda. The Naga people
have a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and we will not tolerate any
attempt to infringe upon our way of life, traditions, and beliefs.
- “Any effort to introduce religious or cultural elements that
do not align with our indigenous ethos is an outright violation of our rights
as a people,” it stated.
