The Naga Students' Federation has urged the Nagaland government to discuss compulsory Vande Mataram in the Assembly and adopt a resolution opposing its imposition in the state.
DIMAPUR — The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has urged the Nagaland government to facilitate a substantive discussion in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on the compulsory singing, playing and popularisation of Vande Mataram during government programmes and official functions, and adopt a strong resolution opposing its imposition in the State.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Minister, the NSF said it had no objection to respecting the national flag, national anthem and other duly recognised national symbols, but expressed concern over the “compulsory singing, recital or imposition” of Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery may conflict with the conscience and religious beliefs of Naga citizens belonging to non-Hindu communities.
“India is a secular democratic republic, and the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion,” the NSF stated, adding that national unity and patriotism should be promoted in a manner that respects religious freedom, individual conscience and the dignity of every citizen.
The federation maintained that no person should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to participate in an activity that conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Referring to Nagaland’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, the NSF said churches, temples, mosques and other places of worship have functioned freely across the state for decades.
It stressed that this tradition of tolerance and mutual respect “must be preserved and strengthened” rather than subjected to practices that could create religious or social compulsion.
The NSF also expressed concern over the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram.
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According to the federation, Naga students have already expressed their opposition through peaceful non-participation in official programmes.
It cited instances at Nagaland University, where students reportedly declined to participate in the rendition during the university’s convocation attended by the Vice-President of India and the Governor of Nagaland, as well as their abstention from participation during the India Independence Day celebration in 2026 across the Naga homeland.
The federation further invoked Article 371A of the Constitution of India, stating that the special constitutional provision provides safeguards concerning the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
“Any policy or directive having a bearing upon the religious practices, beliefs and conscience of the people of Nagaland must therefore be examined with due regard to these special constitutional safeguards,” it stated.
The NSF also called for the report of the Select Committee constituted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the Vande Mataram issue to be tabled before the House at the earliest.
It said the matter carried constitutional, religious and social significance and that the findings and recommendations of the committee should be placed on record and subjected to due legislative consideration.
“If the committee has already submitted its report, the federation respectfully urges your good office to ensure that the same is formally laid and tabled before the House without further delay,” the representation stated.
The NSF urged the Chief Minister to take up the matter on priority and facilitate a substantive discussion in the Assembly on the implications of compulsory singing, recital or imposition of Vande Mataram during government programmes and official functions.
It further appealed to the Assembly to adopt a “strong and unequivocal resolution” opposing the singing of Vande Mataram in Nagaland and to reject its imposition against an individual’s conscience, faith or religious beliefs.
The federation also called for protection of students, employees, public servants and citizens from any adverse consequences for peacefully exercising their right to conscience.
“The federation therefore places our confidence in the wisdom and constitutional responsibility of the popular government of the day to protect the religious freedom, identity, dignity and conscience of the Naga people,” it stated.
The NSF concluded by urging the state government to send “a clear and principled message that no form of singing Vande Mataram should be permitted in Nagaland.”