Two major political parties from Nagaland—the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)—have reacted strongly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement suggesting that those who speak English in India will “soon feel ashamed.”
Calling Shah’s June 19 remarks “both unfortunate and disappointing,” the NPF said it was deeply concerned that such a view had been expressed by “a figure of high national responsibility.” In a statement issued from its Central Headquarters in Kohima, the NPF pointed out, “As the Home Minister, Shah represents the aspirations and sentiments of a diverse and pluralistic nation. His words carry the weight of his office… and are expected to uphold the dignity, unity, and inclusive spirit of the country.”
The NPF highlighted the importance of English as a bridge language in a country with “22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of dialects.” The party emphasized that “English has functioned as a bridge language, helping people from different states, ethnicities, and linguistic groups to communicate, collaborate, and coexist.” To suggest that speaking English is shameful, the NPF noted, “is to overlook the pivotal role that the language has played in uniting our diverse country.”
Defending English as a medium that has “enabled millions of Indians—especially from rural and marginalized backgrounds—to access global knowledge,” the NPF said the language had not replaced Indian languages but coexisted with them. The statement asserted that “pride in our mother tongues and the practical value of English are not mutually exclusive.”
The party reiterated its support for preserving India’s native languages but warned that this should not come “at the cost of dismissing or demeaning another language that has empowered so many.” The NPF concluded by calling for “unity, respect, and understanding—acknowledging the value of every language that contributes to India’s identity, including English.”
Meanwhile, the NDPP also issued a statement from its Media & Communication Committee reaffirming the official status of English in Nagaland. The party noted that English “has played a pivotal role for over a century, particularly in the domains of education, governance, and religion.”
The NDPP stated that while it upholds the importance of indigenous languages, it also recognises English as a “vital bridge—linking us beyond our borders to the rest of India and to the wider global community.” Stressing India’s democratic and inclusive values, the party said, “Our federal structure acknowledges and respects the plurality of identities and cultures, including the unique voices of minorities.”
The statement highlighted that Nagaland’s youth have benefitted immensely from multilingual skills: “One of the key enablers of their success… has been their fluency in multiple languages, particularly English.”
Calling for “inclusive spaces and equal opportunities,” the NDPP reaffirmed its commitment to “unity in diversity” and added, “We must create inclusive spaces and equal opportunities for every citizen to participate in the nation-building process.”
