The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has “expressed strong condemnation” of the recent public statement made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who proclaimed India as a “Hindu Rashtra” during an event in Lucknow. In a press release issued from its Oking on November 27, the Federation said such remarks are “not only unconstitutional but strike at the very foundation of the Indians’ secular, pluralistic and democratic ethos.”
Stating that India is a “sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic,” the NSF asserted that the secular character of the nation “is not an optional principle open for reinterpretation.” Instead, it said, secularism is a “binding constitutional mandate that guarantees equal rights, dignity and protection to all citizens irrespective of religion, belief or cultural identity.”
The Federation stated it is “deeply disturbed that such divisive statements continue to be issued from positions of influence, emboldening majoritarian narratives at the cost of minority communities.”
It cited a “pattern of discrimination, targeted violence and institutionalised prejudice” across the country against Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and tribal Indigenous groups. It further pointed to “desecration of places of worship, mob violence, coercive conversion claims, [and] systemic profiling,” adding that minority communities have “increasingly borne the brunt of intolerance, often with inadequate state response.”
As Indigenous peoples of the Naga homeland “whose identity, faith and customs predate the political formation of India,” the NSF said it finds such majoritarian assertions “deeply concerning.” It stated that the Nagas have long asserted their right to self-determination and to coexist “with dignity within a democratic and secular framework.” The narrative of a singular “Hindu Rashtra,” the Federation said, “dangerously undermines the constitutional promise of equality and violates the secular character of the Republic.”
Calling upon the Government of India to reaffirm its commitment to secularism, the NSF urged the Centre to “take necessary steps to restrain statements that destabilize the constitutional fabric.” It also appealed to “all democratic and secular forces across the country to stand united against the growing attempts to redefine India through majoritarian ideology.”
“The NSF reiterates our unwavering commitment to the protection of universal rights, Indigenous identity and the constitutional values that ensure freedom and equality for all,” the statement added. “Any attempt to weaken the secular character of the Union of India must be challenged with clarity, conviction and collective resolve.”
The press release was signed by Mteisuding, President, and Kenilo Kent, General Secretary.