‘Freedom of conscience is our rights’: NSF

Stages peaceful rally, seeks resolution against compulsory singing of Vande Mataram

Our Correspondent 
Kohima | September 1

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) staged a peaceful demonstration against the compulsory imposition of the (Revised) Vande Mataram at government programmes, as the ninth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly commenced on September 1. The student body reiterating that the issue is one of religious freedom and constitutional rights, not of national allegiance.

A programme was held at Naga Solidarity Park where NSF President Mteisuding delivered the presidential address and NSF Editor Pithungo Shitio led the proceedings.

Later, the students marched towards Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) secretariat gate in Kohima carrying placards that read “No Compulsion,” “Respect Faith,” “Respect our rights,” “Freedom of conscience is our rights” etc.

Earlier on Monday, the NSF had submitted a representation to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, urging a strong resolution against the mandatory imposition of Vande Mataram and demanding that the report of the Assembly’s Select Committee on the matter be tabled.

In its representation, the Federation made it clear that the Naga people have no objection to respecting the National Flag, National Anthem, and other duly recognised national symbols of the country. “Our concern is specifically with the compulsory singing, recital or imposition of Vande Mataram during Government programmes and official functions, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery may conflict with the conscience, faith and religious beliefs of Naga citizens belonging to non-Hindu communities,” the NSF stated.

The Federation underscored that India is a secular democratic republic and that the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion. “National unity and patriotism must therefore be promoted in a manner that respects the religious freedom, individual conscience and dignity of every citizen. No person should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to participate in any activity that conflicts with his or her sincerely held religious beliefs,” it said.

Drawing attention to the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram, the NSF said it had caused “serious concern” among the Naga people. “Naga students have already expressed strong opposition through peaceful non-participation in official programmes, including at Nagaland University, where students declined to participate in the rendition during the University's convocation attended by the Vice-President of India and the Governor of Nagaland and further abstained from participation during the India Independence Day celebration 2026 across the Naga Homeland,” it noted.

The Federation also invoked Article 371A of the Constitution, which provides special protections to Nagaland, including safeguards concerning religious and social practices of the Nagas. “Any policy or directive having a bearing upon the religious practices, beliefs and conscience of the people of Nagaland must therefore be examined with due regard to these special constitutional safeguards,” it said.

Referring to the Select Committee constituted by the State Assembly to examine the Vande Mataram issue, the NSF urged the Chief Minister to ensure its report is tabled at the earliest. “If the Committee has already submitted its report, the Federation respectfully urges your Good Office to ensure that the same is formally laid and tabled before the House without further delay,” it stated.

The Federation further urged Dr Rio to facilitate a substantive discussion in the Assembly and to adopt a “strong and unequivocal resolution” opposing the singing of Vande Mataram in Nagaland. It also called for a clear assurance that no student, employee, public servant or citizen should face any adverse consequence for peacefully exercising their right of conscience.

The NSF expressed confidence in the wisdom and constitutional responsibility of the government “to protect the religious freedom, identity, dignity and conscience of the Naga people, and to send a clear and principled message that no form of singing Vande Mataram should be permitted in Nagaland.”