Kohima, March 8 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Sunday expressed concern over recent remarks made by Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along in the state Assembly regarding compulsory respect for the singing of Vande Mataram.
In a statement, the NPCC said Nagaland is a unique state with a distinct history and identity, protected under Article 371A of the Constitution.
The party said the constitutional provision was a solemn assurance that the religious and social practices, customary laws and traditions of the Naga people would be respected and protected.
While acknowledging the historical importance of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom movement, the NPCC stated that certain stanzas of the song contain references to Hindu deities and religious imagery.
The party said that attempting to justify its compulsory respect in Nagaland—where Christianity forms a central spiritual and cultural foundation—was insensitive and irresponsible.
It also expressed concern over what it termed as attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ideological affiliates to introduce majoritarian ideology into educational institutions across the country, including Nagaland.
The NPCC urged Along not to mislead the people of the state and said that leaders must respect the sentiments, faith and identity of the people they represent.
The party further said political loyalty to any party should not come at the cost of undermining the cultural and religious foundations of Naga society.
Calling for vigilance, the NPCC urged citizens to remain united in safeguarding the unique identity, faith and constitutional rights of the Naga people.
