MLA and Advisor Hekani Jakhalu at the Export State Summit 2026 at the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on March 6. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 6
According to MLA and Advisor Hekani Jakhalu, the general opinion in Nagaland is opposed the proposed mandatory singing of the national song, Vande Mataram, at government events and schools.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Export State Summit 2026 at the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on March 6, she said that the opposition to the move is “very clear” among both legislators and the public.
“The House (Assembly) is against it. The general opinion, not just of the members, but of the people, is we are against it. So I think that is very clear.” However, she maintained that the official response must adhere to legislative protocols. “The assembly cannot behave and work like an activist group. There is a procedure. So that procedure, the processes have to be completed,” she said.
Turning to the Export State Summit 2026, Jakhalu said that the focus is on food processing and handicrafts, two sectors she described as “our strength” or among the state’s core assets.
On the issue of racial profiling faced by people from the north-east (NE) in mainland India, Jakhalu drew from her personal experiences in Delhi to demand an end to the discrimination. She said that leaders from the region formed an organisation called North East Leaders Connect to address this with a united voice. As opposed to seeking sympathy, she said that the idea has been to project the strengths of the NE. She said, “We have to also prove that we are worthy to be respected like anyone else is being respected in the country. So yes, I have a strong voice against this… enough is enough.”
