Sumi students’ bodies oppose compulsory singing of ‘Vande Mataram’

Zunheboto, August 14 (MExN): The All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) and Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) have opposed the compulsory singing, recitation or playing of “Vande Mataram” during Independence Day programmes, citing religious beliefs and individual conscience.

In reference to a notification issued by the NSF on August 12, the SKK said it reaffirmed its “strong and principled opposition” to compelling students to sing or play “Vande Mataram” during Independence Day programmes scheduled for August 15.

The union said it respects the significance of Independence Day and holds the National Flag, National Anthem and other officially recognised national symbols in high regard.

It maintained that respect for the nation and constitutional values should be upheld by all citizens while ensuring due respect for the religious beliefs, conscience and cultural identity of different communities.

The SKK said no student belonging to the Sumi community, in any Sumi-inhabited area or educational institution, should be compelled, coerced or pressured to sing, recite or participate in the playing of “Vande Mataram” against their sincerely held religious beliefs or conscience.

The union directed all its units and sub-units to ensure that students do not participate in any programme or celebration organised in connection with India’s Independence Day 2026.

The SKK clarified that its position was not intended to undermine or disrespect the nation, Independence Day celebrations or any national symbol. Rather, it described its stand as a call for mutual respect, religious freedom, individual conscience and peaceful coexistence, which it said were fundamental principles of a democratic and pluralistic society.

The union said it remained committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, faith and identity of Sumi students and Nagas at large while promoting peace, unity, respect for diversity and responsible citizenship.

Meanwhile, the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU), referring to the SKK notification of August 13, expressed its firm position of non-compliance with regard to the Independence Day programme scheduled to be held on August 15 in Zunheboto Town.

In solidarity with the concerns raised by the SKK, the ZRSU called upon students under Zunheboto Town not to participate in programmes where they are compelled or expected to sing, recite or perform “Vande Mataram” against their sincerely held religious beliefs or conscience.

The ZRSU also said its position was not intended to undermine or disrespect the nation, Independence Day celebrations or any national symbol, but was a call for mutual respect, religious freedom, individual conscience and peaceful coexistence.

It said it would remain committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, faith and identity of Sumi students and Nagas at large while promoting peace, unity, respect for diversity and responsible citizenship.

The ZRSU further stated that “Vande Mataram” was not merely a patriotic composition but contained devotional imagery associated with the worship of a particular deity, which it said contradicted the beliefs and cultural or patriotic expression of the Naga community.

In view of what it described as the seriousness of the issue, the ZRSU issued a non-compliance advisory to educational institutions and students under Zunheboto Town regarding the Independence Day programme.