Dimapur, August 12 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday directed all its units to ensure that no student from schools and educational institutions under their jurisdiction participates in India’s Independence Day programme on August 15, “till the order for mandatory playing or singing of the revised Indian National Song Vande Mataram during official functions is revoked.”
In a statement, the Federation reiterated that while the Naga people have no objection to celebrating Independence Day or respecting the National Flag and the National Anthem, the “compulsory participation” in Vande Mataram, particularly due to its devotional and religious overtones, conflict with the conscience and sincerely held beliefs of students from non-Hindu communities.
“India is a secular democratic republic, its Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religion. No student should be compelled to participate in any religiously sensitive expression contrary to their beliefs,” the NSF said, invoking constitutional safeguards under Article 371A, which protects the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
The directive comes as a follow-up to the Federation’s earlier objection to the Ministry of Home Affairs communication dated January 28, 2026, which mandated the popularisation and mandatory singing of the revised national song. The NSF had termed the order a source of “grave concern” among the Naga people.
The Federation has instructed all its federating units and subordinate bodies to enforce the boycott and ensure that no student faces disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation, or academic consequences for declining to participate on grounds of conscience or religious belief.
Asserting that the Naga homeland has historically upheld peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and religious tolerance, the NSF reiterated that it would pursue the matter peacefully and democratically, while safeguarding the identity, rights, and beliefs of Naga students, youth, and the larger community.
