Why is NSF in Nagaland Opposing the Introduction of ‘Vande Mataram’?

Kohima: The apex student body in Nagaland, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has recently moved forward to oppose the introduction of playing the national song Vande Mataram in educational, legislative, or other public institutions across the state.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had recently mandated that Vande Mataram be performed or played at official events, and specifically before the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) when both are included.

However, the NSF opposed this directive, claiming that it violates certain provisions under Article 371(A).

The controversy erupted earlier this week when the song was played ahead of the national anthem at the start of the ongoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly budget session. The playing of Vande Mataram during the session witnessed widespread objections from legislators across parties.

The NSF, following this, in a statement claimed that enforcing or institutionalising the recitation or playing of Vande Mataram in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly or any public institution in the Naga homeland would directly violate the spirit and protections provided under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution.

The added that Article 371(A) is a special provision granting Nagaland unique safeguards for its religious practices, social customs, and land-related matters, shielding them from overriding central laws or directives.

Why is the NSF opposing Vande Mataram?

The federation argues that the song carries strong and undeniable religious connotations, rooted in references to Hindu deities and the worship of the motherland in a form that aligns with Hindu symbolism.

In a predominantly Christian state, where over 87% of the population (as per the 2011 Census) identifies as Christian, this may be seen as incompatible with Naga religious beliefs and identity.

The NSF claimed that while the song is portrayed as purely secular, it overlooks these legitimate concerns and risks imposing ideological conformity that disregards the unique historical, cultural and faith-based realities of the Naga people.

The NSF also “condemned” BJP MLA and cabinet minister Temjen Imna Along for defending the song’s recitation in the Assembly.

Along had urged the MLAs to view Vande Mataram in its historical and secular context as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.

He added that the MHA directive does not infringe on Article 371(A) or the Christian faith.

The federation went on to describe his stance as “deeply regrettable,” accusing him of prioritising political allegiance to Delhi over safeguarding Naga rights, identity, and sensitivities.

It said that no representative has the mandate to dilute these protections.

The issue has sparked broader debate in the Assembly, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announcing that it would be referred to a select committee for detailed legal and constitutional examination before any final decision. Several MLAs had earlier termed the playing of the song an “imposition” and “unfair” given Nagaland’s Christian-majority demographic and special constitutional status.

The NSF reiterated its categorical rejection of the MHA directive and called for respect toward Naga faith and customs, warning that any push to normalise the song could undermine generations of efforts to preserve Naga identity and rights under the Constitution.

Also Read: LPG Price Hike Sparks Protest in Guwahati, TMC Accuses Govt of ‘Double Loot’