The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has directed all its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and educational institutions under their respective jurisdictions do not send students to participate in the 2026 Independence Day programmes until the order mandating the playing or singing of the revised Indian National Song Vande Mataram during official functions is revoked.

In a notification, the NSF clarified that the Naga people have no objection to the celebration of India’s Independence Day or to according due respect to the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols.

The Federation said its concern was specifically over the compulsory participation of students in Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery may conflict with the conscience and sincerely held beliefs of students belonging to non-Hindu communities.

Invoking India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of conscience and religion, the NSF maintained that no student should be compelled to participate in a religiously sensitive expression contrary to his or her sincerely held beliefs.

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The Federation also emphasised that the Naga homeland has historically upheld peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious tolerance, and said the religious conscience of every student must be respected.

The NSF reiterated its earlier opposition to the Ministry of Home Affairs communication dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram. It also invoked the constitutional safeguards under Article 371A, particularly in relation to the religious and social practices of the Naga people.

The Federation directed its federating units and subordinate bodies to communicate and enforce the position among schools and educational institutions within their jurisdictions. It further called for ensuring that no student faces disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or academic consequences for declining to participate in Vande Mataram on grounds of conscience or religious belief.

The NSF stated that it would pursue the matter peacefully and democratically while safeguarding the identity, rights, beliefs and conscience of Naga students, youth and the people.