The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has expressed concern and opposition to the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the mandatory recitation of Vande Mataram in educational institutions across the state of Nagaland.

In a press statement, the ANCSU reminded the State Government that Nagaland is home to diverse communities with distinct cultural, historical and religious identities. “Making its recitation compulsory in colleges and educational institution undermines the Article 371(A), the principle of conscience, democratic values, traditional practices and respect for diversity that are enshrined in the Constitution of India,” the Union asserted.

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Expressing the belief that educational institution should remain spaces for learning, mutual respect, and inclusivity, the Union viewed that such policies or directives that fail to take into account the unique socio-cultural context of Nagaland may inadvertently disturb the harmony that has been carefully nurtured in academic institutions.

In view of these concerns, the Union has appealed to all the Colleges and educational institutions in the state to restrain from implementing the directive mandating the recitation of Vande Mataram.