The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on September 1 staged a peaceful demonstration against what it termed the “imposition” of the revised version of Vande Mataram, asserting that compulsory singing or playing of the song in official programmes could conflict with the religious beliefs and freedom of conscience of the Naga people.
The demonstration began at 7:30 a.m. at Naga Solidarity Park, followed by a solidarity march towards the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) gate.
The protest comes along with the commencement of the 9th session of the 14th Nagaland legislative Assembly which on September 1 to 3.
Carrying placards that read “Imposition of Vande Mataram on the Naga people is absolute violation of Article 371 A”, the protesters called upon the government to respect the religious convictions and constitutional rights of the people of Nagaland.
Briefing the media outside NLA gate, NSF President, Mteisuding said the Federation had already conveyed its position to the Chief Minister and the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, urging them to take up the matter in the Assembly and pass a resolution opposing any compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram during official programmes.
“Imposition of Vande Mataram has become an issue for the Naga people,” he said, adding that Nagas, being predominantly Christian by faith, could not accept practices carrying religious elements that they believe confront their faith.
The NSF president said the Federation’s position was clear that no individual should be compelled to follow or participate in any practice that conflicts with their religious convictions.
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“Until and unless the government passes a resolution, we will keep on agitating,” he said.
According to the NSF, the government has so far not called the federation for any meeting on the issue. It said NSF had also submitted representations to the President of India, seeking protection of the rights and religious freedom of the Naga people.
Mteisuding further expressed hope that the Select Committee constituted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly during its previous session would submit its report on the matter.
He warned that if no resolution or legislative measure is taken to address the federation’s concerns, the NSF could intensify its agitation.
“If any resolution or bill is not passed, NSF will be going for a more aggressive approach,” he said.
Earlier during the program, the demonstration was led by NSF leader and editor Pithungo Shitio.
The programme began with an invocation by Menuosielie Üsou, Assistant Pastor of Koinonia Baptist Church, Kohima.
The NSF maintained that its protest was aimed at safeguarding freedom of conscience and ensuring that no citizen is compelled to participate in an activity that conflicts with their religious beliefs.
