DIMAPUR, AUGUST 13 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) directive against compulsory observance and singing of the revised Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, during Independence Day programmes has drawn further support, with several student and community bodies calling for a boycott of the August 15 programmes.
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD), Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN), Kohima Chakhesang Students’ Union (KCSU) and Phek District Village Council Chairmen’s Association (PDVCCA) have issued statements supporting the position, citing freedom of conscience, religious freedom and constitutional rights.
The DNSU directed all its units to uphold the NSF directive and called upon students across Dimapur to refrain from participating in official Independence Day programmes on August 15.
“This stand is not against the nation, Independence Day, or national symbols, but is rooted in the protection of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and the rights and dignity of students,” the DNSU stated.
The union said patriotism could not be imposed and that loyalty to the nation should not require students to compromise their faith or conscience. “No student should be compelled to sing, recite, or endorse anything contrary to their sincerely held religious beliefs,” it said.
The DNSU also urged authorities and programme organisers to respect students’ religious beliefs and freedom of conscience, stating that attempts to force, intimidate or compel students to participate in the singing or playing of Vande Mataram would be opposed.
The Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur similarly called upon students under its jurisdiction to follow the NSF, DNSU and CSU directives and refrain from participating in the August 15 programme.
The CSUD reaffirmed its opposition to “any form of compulsory observance and singing of the revised India National Song Vande Mataram” during official functions and in educational institutions. It said any coercion, intimidation, discrimination or disciplinary action against students for exercising their rights should be reported to the union.
The union also referred to Articles 25 and 28 of the Constitution, particularly provisions concerning freedom of conscience and protection against compelled participation in religious instruction or worship, as applicable.
The Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland reiterated its “strong and categorical opposition” to compulsory observance, playing or singing of the revised Vande Mataram during official functions and in educational institutions.
The ZSUN said it respected Independence Day, the National Flag, the National Anthem and other national symbols, but maintained that students should not be compelled to participate in expressions contrary to their conscience, faith or sincerely held beliefs.
“True respect for the nation and its constitutional values must always be balanced with respect for individual conscience, religious freedom, diversity and the dignity of every student,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the Kohima Chakhesang Students’ Union formally withdrew its participation from the August 15 Independence Day programme.
In a letter to the Director of the Art & Culture Department, Government of Nagaland, the KCSU said it would not participate in the programme in view of the NSF notification opposing compulsory observance and singing of the revised Vande Mataram.
“As a subordinate unit, the KCSU is firmly adhered to comply with the directive issued by the Naga Students’ Federation,” it stated, adding that it was withdrawing its participation “in solidarity with the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and in strict adherence to their mandate.”
Adding to the calls for non-participation, the Phek District Village Council Chairmen’s Association (PDVCCA) has advised village councils under Phek and Meluri districts not to participate in the Independence Day programme.
The PDVCCA argued that if Vande Mataram is made mandatory on important national days, songs or theme words associated with other religions in India should also be made mandatory.
“Until such time either the government drop the singing of Vande Mataram on National days or include all theme songs or words of other religions in the country, Nagas should not participate or attend the Indian Independence Day programme,” the association stated.
The association also said the position should not be limited to Nagas, arguing that citizens belonging to other religious groups should also abstain from Independence Day programmes if compulsory observance remains in place.
It advised all village councils under Phek and Meluri districts not to participate, including village council members, gaon burahs, VDB members and youth members. The PDVCCA further appealed to village councils across Nagaland to extend solidarity with the campaign, describing it as an effort to uphold “the great values of democracy and secularism” in India and Nagaland.
