Kohima, March 7 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Nagaland Christian Revival Church Council (NCRC) have expressed strong opposition to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) directive mandating the playing of ‘Vande Mataram’ before the National Anthem at official events.
In a statement issued by NBCC Social Concern Secretary Dr Villo Naleo and General Secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener, the council extended its support to members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly who have raised objections to the directive.
According to the NBCC, many legislators viewed the move as an infringement of Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which provides special provisions for Nagaland, particularly with regard to religious and social practices.
It futher noted that some legislators had referred to the historical controversy surrounding the song due to its religious connotations, while others cited Article 25, which guarantees the right to freely profess and practise one’s religion.
Placing the issue within a broader national context, the NBCC alleged that secular ideals in the country are increasingly being challenged. It cited developments such as the push for a Uniform Civil Code, anti-conversion laws, rewriting of history, and actions perceived as targeting religious minorities.
The council described the imposition of Vande Mataram before the National Anthem as a form of “religious and psychological manipulation” and expressed solidarity with church organisations, civil society groups, student bodies and political parties in the state that have voiced concerns over the directive.
Citing the Supreme Court’s 1986 Bijoe Emmanuel judgment, the NBCC stated that no individual can be compelled to sing any patriotic song if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. It also called upon the Christian community to remain vigilant in safeguarding their identity, dignity and rights.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by its General Secretary Rev Senuto Ringa, the NCRC conveyed that while council respects patriotic sentiments associated with the song, its original meaning involves references to the worship of deities, which is not aligned with Christian beliefs.
He stated that patriotism should be distinguished from faith and cautioned against imposing practices that contradict religious convictions.
The NCRC also appreciated legislators who had voiced opposition to the directive in the Assembly and urged the Government of India to reconsider the decision in order to uphold secular principles and constitutional values.
Alien to Naga ethos and culture: NTPRADAO
In a separate statement, the Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organization (NTPRADAO) also expressed is opposition to the usage.
The organisation stated that while the song carries patriotic connotations, it is “inimical and totally alien to Naga ethos and culture” as its original context involves the worship of Hindu goddesses, which it said conflicts with Christian faith and practices.
NTPRADAO also condemned Higher Education and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along who allegedly for defended Vande Mataram in the Assembly, while appreciating legislators who opposed the directive.
Appealing to the Government of India, the organisation urged that Nagaland’s unique constitutional rights, Christian faith and socio-cultural ethos be respected in line with the country’s principles of unity in diversity and federalism.
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