The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed strong resentment over the imposition of reciting Vande Mataram, particularly in educational institutions as mandatory including the State Assembly, citing it as “a threat to Nagaland’s Christian majority faith and culture”.

In a statement issued by its Press Bureau, the party said the forceful imposition of the song is “alien to us, unfriendly, and threatening the very ethos of the fundamental rights and duties guaranteed under the Constitution of India.”

The NPF further maintained that making the recitation of Vande Mataram mandatory would also be a direct threat to Naga culture and faith, which are protected under Article 371(A )of the Constitution of India, which safeguards the religious and customary practices of the people of Nagaland, and the party asserted that mandatory recitation of the song would be incompatible with the state’s conscience.

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The NPF maintained that references in the song to Hindu goddesses contradict the monotheistic beliefs and the preaching of Christ. In view of this, the party urged the Government of India to reconsider the move and respect the country’s secular character, while ensuring that no community is compelled to compromise its faith.

The regional party also called upon like-minded political parties and individuals to come together to protect Nagaland’s unique identity, culture and faith. “It is imperative that we come together to withstand these impositions. The NPF believes that by coming together, we can achieve more and create a stronger voice for our state and its people,” it stated.

Reiterating resolutions adopted during its Central Office Bearers (COB), Central Executive Council (CEC) and General Convention meetings, the NPF further appealed to former members and other regional political groups to join the party and collectively work towards safeguarding the interests of the state.