The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio to take a strong position against the compulsory singing, recital or imposition of Vande Mataram during government programmes and official functions in the State.
In a representation to the Chief Minister, the NSF said the Naga people had no objection to respecting the National Flag, National Anthem and other duly recognised national symbols, but expressed concern over any compulsory participation in Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery could conflict with the conscience, faith and religious beliefs of citizens belonging to non-Hindu communities.
The Federation stressed that India’s identity as a secular democratic republic requires national unity and patriotism to be promoted while respecting religious freedom, individual conscience and the dignity of every citizen.
“No person should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to participate in any activity that conflicts with his or her sincerely held religious beliefs,” the NSF stated.
Referring to Nagaland’s tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different faiths, the Federation said this tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence must be preserved and strengthened, rather than being subjected to practices that may create religious or social compulsion.
The NSF also cited the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram, stating that it had generated concern among sections of the Naga people.
The Federation claimed that Naga students had already expressed their opposition through peaceful non-participation in certain official programmes, including at Nagaland University and during the Independence Day celebrations in 2026.
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The representation, signed by NSF president, Mteisuding and general secretary, Kenilo Kent, further invoked Article 371A of the Constitution, which provides special constitutional safeguards to Nagaland, including protection relating to the religious or social practices of the Nagas. “Any policy or directive having a bearing upon the religious practices, beliefs and conscience of the people of Nagaland must therefore be examined with due regard to these special constitutional safeguards,” it stated.
Against this backdrop, the NSF urged the State Government to ensure that the Select Committee constituted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the Vande Mataram issue submits its report to the House and that the report is formally tabled at the earliest.
“If the Committee has already submitted its report, the Federation respectfully urges your Good Office to ensure that the same is formally laid and tabled before the House without further delay,” the NSF said.
It also urged the Chief Minister to take up the matter with utmost priority and facilitate a substantive discussion in the sacred August House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The NSF called for a substantive discussion on the issue in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and urged the House to adopt a “strong and unequivocal” resolution opposing any form of compulsory participation in Vande Mataram in Nagaland.
It further sought a resolution rejecting the imposition of the song against an individual’s conscience, faith or religious beliefs, and maintained that no student, employee, public servant or citizen should face adverse consequences for peacefully exercising such a right of conscience.
The NSF said it placed its confidence in the State Government and the Legislative Assembly to safeguard the religious freedom, identity, dignity and conscience of the Naga people, while sending a clear message against any compulsory imposition of Vande Mataram in the State.
