DIMAPUR, MARCH 5 (MExN): Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along has drawn flak from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) for “continuing to justify and normalize the imposition of the Indian National Song in institutions within the state.”
In a press release, the NSF said that the Vande Mataram carries “strong and undeniable religious connotations rooted in the worship of Hindu deities.” It added that any attempts to enforce or institutionalize the recitation of such a song within the Nagaland Legislative Assembly or any public institution in the Naga homeland directly violates the spirit and safeguards enshrined under Article 371(A) which protects the unique religious and social practices of the Naga people.
“The attempt to portray the song as purely secular and historical deliberately ignores the legitimate concerns raised by communities whose faith and cultural identity do not align with its religious imagery,” the NSF stated. As such, it said that the Minister defending the decision is “extremely unfortunate.”
“In doing so, he appears more concerned with pleasing his political bosses in Delhi than safeguarding the rights and sensitivities of the Naga people,” the NSF added. It said that advocating for the normalization of Vande Mataram within the Assembly risks “undoing what generations of Nagas have sacrificed so much to defend the preservation of our identity, our faith and our rights.” “No individual or political representative has the mandate to dilute or compromise the hard-earned rights of the Naga people,” the NSF stated.
It asserted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly must remain sensitive to the unique historical and socio-religious context of the Naga people and reiterated that protection of Naga identity, faith and constitutional safeguards is “non-negotiable.”
The NSF added that there is “no rationale” as to why the state has referred the matter to a Select Committee to examine the applicability of the same “when such imposition clearly undermines the safeguards provided under Article 371(A) to the Naga people.”
It cautioned against any attempt to introduce or play Vande Mataram in any institution, be it administrative, educational, including Nagaland University, or otherwise “across the Naga homeland.” It asked federating units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and directed that such practices must not be allowed within their respective jurisdictions “under any circumstances.”
‘Threat to Naga culture & faith’
The Naga People's Front (NPF) also expressed resentment at the notice and said that “forceful imposition of such a song is alien to us, unfriendly, and threatening the very ethos of very fundamental rights and duties guaranteed under the constitution of India.” The NPF termed it as a “direct threat to the Naga culture and faith as protected under Article 371 (A), which safeguards Nagaland's religious and customary practices, asserting that mandatory recitation of Vande Mataram is incompatible with the state's conscience.”
“The song's references to Hindu goddesses contradict monotheistic beliefs and the preaching of Christ,” it said and urged the Government of India to reconsider and respect India's secular status and address this issue urgently, ensuring no community is forced to compromise on their faith.
The NPF invited all like-minded parties and individuals to join hands in promoting Nagaland's unique identity, culture, and faith. "It is imperative that we come together to withstand these impositions".
CBCC opposes
The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council has said that the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the singing of India’s national song, the Vande Mataram before the National Anthem at high-level occasions and educational institutions, “is a clear violation of freedom of religion in secular India.” It appreciated the NSF and the legislators of Nagaland State Assembly for voicing out against the same. A press release from the CBCC said that “while even Christian schools in many States are not permitted to even put the cross, the significant symbol of Christianity in the schools, imposition of chanting Vande Mataram in all schools across Naga homeland is ridiculous.” It added that “pushing the Christian community to do what they don't believe in doing will only invite greater resistance to religious subjugation.”
