The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed recent instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandating that the Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, be played or sung before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during specified official functions and extending the same protocol to educational institutions.

In a statement issued by its President Mteisuding Heraang and General Secretary Kenilo Kent, the Federation termed the directive “an imposition that fails to account for the historical, political and cultural realities of the Naga people”. The NSF stated that while it is aware of the constitutional framework of India, including Article 51A(a), it “categorically asserts that no authority can compel cultural or ideological conformity upon the Naga homeland in a manner that disregards our unique history and identity.”

The Federation expressed particular concern over the reported instruction that the day’s work in all schools may begin with the community singing of Vande Mataram, along with efforts to “popularize” the National Song and National Anthem. It maintained that schools are institutions of learning and critical thought and should not be turned into instruments for enforcing symbolic compliance.

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Issuing a strong warning, the NSF declared that no activities mandating the compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana should take place in schools across Nagaland. It urged the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to refrain from issuing any circulars or notifications enforcing such a protocol within its jurisdiction, and to uphold the sensitivities and rights of the Naga people.

The student body further cautioned school authorities and administrators against implementing the guidelines without consultation with stakeholders and without understanding the ground realities, stating that such unilateral action in this regard would be viewed as a serious affront to the collective sentiments of the Naga students’ community.

In this connection, all federating units and subordinate bodies of the NSF have been advised to remain vigilant to ensure that such activities are not carried out within their respective jurisdictions.
The Federation called upon responsible authorities to respect the distinct political and cultural rights of the Naga homeland and to refrain from measures that, it said, could undermine mutual respect and understanding.