Ao student body AKM asks schools not to send students for Independence Day events amid concerns over revised Vande Mataram
MOKOKCHUNG — The Ao Students’ Conference or Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) on Wednesday directed schools and educational institutions under its jurisdiction not to send students to participate in Independence Day celebrations on August 15, until further notice.
The directive was based on a notification issued by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on August 12, amid concerns over the mandatory playing or singing of the ‘revised Vande Mataram’ during Independence Day programmes.
AKM leaders stated that the organisation’s decision was taken in reference to the NSF notification. The students’ body cited concerns over the freedom of conscience and religious belief of students, and urged all schools and educational institutions concerned to comply with the directive.
It called on all parties concerned to strictly adhere to the notification until further instructions are issued.
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