The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) will hold a peaceful demonstration and solidarity march towards the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 1, opposing what it describes as the compulsory imposition of the revised Vande Mataram in government programs and official functions.
The march will coincide with the commencement of the ninth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
In a representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the NSF urged the Nagaland Government to facilitate a discussion in the Assembly and adopt a resolution opposing the compulsory singing, recital or playing of Vande Mataram during government programmes and official functions in the State.
The Federation also urged the government to ensure that the report of the Select Committee constituted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the issue concerning Vande Mataram is tabled before the House at the earliest.
The NSF said its objection was specifically to the compulsory singing, recital or imposition of Vande Mataram, and not to respecting the National Flag, National Anthem and other duly recognised national symbols of the country.
According to the Federation, the devotional and religious imagery associated with Vande Mataram may conflict with the conscience, faith and religious beliefs of citizens belonging to non-Hindu communities. It argued that participation in such activities should not be compulsory where it conflicts with an individual’s sincerely held religious beliefs.
The NSF referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram, saying it had caused concern among the Naga people.
The Federation further claimed that Naga students had expressed opposition through peaceful non-participation in official programmes, including at Nagaland University and during Independence Day celebrations in 2026.
The NSF also invoked Article 371A of the Constitution, arguing that policies or directives having a bearing on the religious practices, beliefs and conscience of the people of Nagaland should be examined in light of the special constitutional safeguards applicable to the State.
On the Select Committee, the Federation said its report should be placed before the Assembly for legislative consideration, given the constitutional, religious and social importance of the issue. It added that if the committee had already submitted its report, the government should ensure that it is formally laid and tabled before the House without further delay.
The NSF urged the government to take up the matter on priority and said the Assembly should consider adopting a resolution rejecting compulsory Vande Mataram participation where it conflicts with an individual’s conscience, faith or religious beliefs.
It further urged that no student, employee, public servant or citizen should face adverse consequences for peacefully exercising such a right of conscience.