Opposition to the Nagaland government’s directive mandating the observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21 has intensified, with several apex student bodies, tribal organisations, Church leaders, and youth groups demanding immediate withdrawal of the circular, arguing that the programme infringes upon the religious sentiments and constitutional rights of the Naga people.

The controversy stems from Circular No. ED/PE-YOGA/2022/29 issued by the Directorate of School Education, directing all government and private schools to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 and ensure maximum participation of students and staff, along with submission of Action Taken Reports (ATRs), GPS-tagged photographs and related compliance documents.

CNTC:

Joining the growing chorus of opposition, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), in an open letter to the Principal Director of School Education, expressed deep concern over the circular and questioned the wisdom of scheduling such a programme on a Sunday in a predominantly Christian state.

While appreciating initiatives aimed at promoting physical health and well-being, the council maintained that the issue was not merely about conducting a programme but about a public authority organising and encouraging participation in an activity on a day that holds profound religious significance for the overwhelming majority of Nagaland’s population.

The Council urged the department to immediately revoke the circular and consider rescheduling the programme, warning that failure to review the matter could lead to widespread public dissatisfaction and avoidable tensions.

NSF:

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) also voiced strong opposition to the directive, describing it as a blatant disregard for the religious sentiments and spiritual convictions of the Naga people.

Calling the order “unwarranted,” the Federation urged both the Directorate of School Education and the state government to immediately withdraw the notification and refrain from imposing such programmes upon educational institutions and the people of Nagaland.

It further cautioned authorities against enforcing compliance under the guise of official instructions and warned that any attempt to do so would be viewed with utmost seriousness.

NPCC:

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has opposed the Directorate of School Education’s directive mandating the observance of International Day of Yoga on June 21 in all government and private schools.

In a statement, the NPCC said Nagaland, being a predominantly Christian state, observes Sunday as a sacred day of worship. It also noted that June 21 coincides with Father’s Day, making the directive insensitive to the religious and social sentiments of the people.

The party criticized the requirement for schools to ensure maximum participation and submit GPS-tagged reports, alleging that it reflected an attempt to impose a “one-size-fits-all” cultural agenda.

Calling for immediate review of the directive, the NPCC urged the government to ensure that no student, teacher, or educational institution is compelled to participate in activities that may conflict with their religious beliefs or community observances. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the faith, identity, and constitutional rights of the people of Nagaland.

ASU:

The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) described the directive as a direct distortion of the faith and religious sentiments of Christians in general and the Naga people in particular. The Union argued that June 21 not only falls on a Sunday—the Christian Sabbath—but also coincides with Father’s Day, an occasion widely observed by Churches and families across the state.

The Union criticized the mandatory nature of the programme, particularly the requirement for schools to submit immediate action taken reports and GPS-tagged photographs, describing it as coercive and excessive. It further asserted that in a Christian-majority state protected under Article 371A of the Constitution, such directives reflected a disturbing insensitivity to the socio-religious realities of the Naga people.

NBPU:

The Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU) issued one of the strongest objections, maintaining that Yoga is not merely a physical exercise but is historically and philosophically rooted in religious and spiritual traditions incompatible with core Christian beliefs and practices.

The Union emphasized that Christians regard Sunday as the Lord’s Day, dedicated to worship, prayer, fellowship, and the proclamation of God’s Word. It therefore called upon churches, pastors, educational institutions, parents, youth, and believers across Nagaland to refrain from participating in Yoga Day observances and instead devote the day to Christian worship and fellowship.

The NBPU also urged the government to respect freedom of conscience and religion guaranteed under the Constitution and make appropriate accommodations for those whose faith convictions do not permit participation in yoga-related activities.

NPYF:

The Nagaland People’s Youth Front (NPYF), Dimapur District, expressed concern over reports that schools were required to submit compliance-related documents, including attendance records and geotagged photographs.

While supporting initiatives promoting physical fitness, the NPYF maintained that participation in programmes involving matters of faith, conscience, or belief must remain voluntary. It argued that compliance-based reporting created the impression that participation was compulsory, thereby undermining freedom of conscience, parental choice, and religious diversity.

The youth body suggested that if physical fitness was the objective, alternative activities such as sports, athletics, and physical education programmes could be promoted without creating religious concerns.

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ANCSU:

The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) also strongly objected to a similar directive issued to higher educational institutions, which instructed colleges to register on the Yoga Sangam Portal and ensure mass participation by students, faculty, NCC and NSS volunteers, alumni, and the local community.

The Union stated that directing educational institutions to mobilize students and staff on a Sunday, which also coincides with Father’s Day, demonstrated a lack of sensitivity towards the religious practices and family commitments of the people of Nagaland. It demanded immediate withdrawal of the directive and urged the Higher Education Department to act with wisdom and sensitivity.

OKM:

The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) expressed complete solidarity with the earlier stand taken by the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), which had first raised objections to the circular.

OKM maintained that Sunday is a sacred day of worship, rest, and family fellowship in Nagaland and that compelling educational institutions to participate in official programmes on that day deeply hurt Christian sentiments. It urged authorities to immediately retract the circular and warned that failure to address public concerns could trigger widespread resentment and democratic agitation.

KSU:

The Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) directed all educational institutions within Mon district to refrain from conducting any extracurricular activities on Sundays. Describing the directive as highly unacceptable and contrary to the religious and cultural sentiments of the people, the union warned that institutions violating the instruction would be held responsible for their actions.

ENSF:

Meanwhile, the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) stated that while it respected cultural diversity and the importance of physical fitness, compulsory observance of Yoga Day was not in consonance with the indigenous traditions, customs, and cultural practices of the Naga people.

The Federation argued that any activity carrying cultural, religious, or philosophical connotations should remain voluntary rather than being imposed through official directives. In a strong response, ENSF declared the notification invalid within the eastern region and directed all its federating units to abstain from participating in Yoga Day activities and monitor schools under their jurisdiction.

The Federation further maintained that educational spaces should remain sensitive to local traditions and cultural sentiments and warned against policies perceived as disregarding the unique identity of the Naga people.