The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has issued a strong statement opposing the recent instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating that the Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, be sung or played before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during official functions and in schools.
In a press release, the NSF described the directive as an imposition that disregards the historical, cultural, and political realities of the Naga people. The federation emphasized that while it respects India’s constitutional framework, no authority can compel cultural or ideological conformity in the Naga homeland.
“No authority can compel cultural or ideological conformity upon the Naga homeland in a manner that disregards our unique history and identity,” the NSF statement said.
The federation expressed particular concern over instructions for schools to begin the day with the community singing of Vande Mataram, and the directive to “popularize” the National Song and Anthem. The NSF stressed that schools should remain spaces for learning and critical thinking, not venues for enforcing symbolic compliance.
The NSF called upon the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to refrain from issuing any circulars or notifications enforcing the directive, warning that unilateral implementation could cause unrest among students. School authorities and administrators were also cautioned against implementing the guidelines without consulting stakeholders.
The federation urged all its units and subordinates to exercise vigilance to ensure that no such activities are carried out across the Naga homeland.
“We call upon all responsible authorities to respect the distinct political and cultural rights of the Naga homeland and to refrain from imposing measures that undermine mutual respect and understanding,” the statement added.
Mtei’uïing Heraang, NSF President, and Atleno C (Keniló Kent), General Secretary, signed the statement, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to safeguarding Naga cultural and political identity.