A large protest rally took place on Monday at the Old MLA Hostel junction in Kohima, organized by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in response to the mandatory imposition of the song Vande Mataram in educational institutions and official functions. This demonstration was mirrored in several districts across Nagaland, expressing strong opposition to the directive. During the rally, NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent presented a memorandum addressed to the President of India via the Governor of Nagaland, which outlined the protestors’ concerns.
Participants displayed placards bearing messages such as “No forced secularism,” “Naga rights are non-negotiable,” and “Stop forced policies,” indicative of widespread dissatisfaction among the attendees. Neingulo Krome, secretary general of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, condemned the directive as an intrusion into the beliefs and identity of the Nagas. He asserted that imposing a song featuring Hindu imagery on non-Hindu communities is in conflict with secularist principles and religious freedoms.
Moreover, the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) expressed significant opposition to the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. NJCF vice president Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao acknowledged the patriotic sentiment associated with Vande Mataram but pointed out that it contains elements conflicting with Christian beliefs. He stressed that Nagaland, being predominantly Christian, cannot compromise on its religious principles, urging the government to honor constitutional values and minority rights.
Rev. Vangpong Phom of the Nagaland Christian Revival Church echoed this sentiment, asserting that the song’s Hindu religious connotations render it inappropriate for imposition on Christian communities. Similarly, Jonas Yanthan, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, conveyed their acceptance of the national anthem Jana Gana Mana but rejection of Vande Mataram due to its religious undertones and absence of constitutional endorsement.
NSF president Mteisuding Heraang emphasized that the Naga people’s identity and beliefs should not be dictated by administrative mandates. He affirmed that while Nagas hold respect for national symbols, the imposition of Vande Mataram represents an issue of conscience. The rally aimed to advocate for secularism, freedom of belief, and minority rights. The event, inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü of the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship and chaired by NSF vice president Vimeyiekho Vitso, witnessed hundreds of students and supporters, culminating in a submission of the memorandum to Droupadi Murmu at Lok Bhavan.
