Calls for reconsideration of MHA directive, uphold secularism
Dimapur, March 4 (MExN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has strongly opposed a recent directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandating the singing of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, at official functions and in educational institutions across the country.
In a statement issued by NJCF President Rev Dr N Paphino and General Secretary Rev Moses Murry acknowledged the patriotic intent behind the song, however, took strong exception to specific elements within its content, which they claimed are “averse to Christian faith and principles.”
The Forum asserted that as the dominant faith in Nagaland, Christianity cannot be compromised by adhering to the directive. “Nagaland as a Christian dominant state cannot compromise its religious ideology by adhering to the aforementioned directives of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and therefore, outrightly rejects the directive,” the NJCF asserted.
The NJCF urged the government to uphold the principle of secularism enshrined in the Constitution, emphasising that the rights of religious minorities, who have contributed to the nation’s social fabric, must be respected.
The Forum argued that the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, is sufficient to foster national unity. “It must be known that the National Anthem is enough to unify the country into one and nothing should come before or after that!” it stated. “We are not opposed to the patriotic song but we will not as a Christian majority society allow our children to chant something which defies their faith and allegiance to the Almighty,” NJCF added.
Articulating their theological objections, the NJCF stated that the song compels allegiance to a deity contrary to the Christian faith. “Our Bible teaches us not to bow down to any alien god. And we cannot owe allegiance to any deity. This act is abominable to Yahweh, the God of the Christians,” the release stated, adding that forcing the song upon the populace constitutes an infringement on conscience and religious freedom.
The Forum called for a spirit of mutual tolerance, asserting that the majority community should not impose its beliefs on others. “As much as we do not force you to sing our songs which would allow you to submit to our belief system, we will also expect the same from the majority. That is in a simple term ‘Tolerance’,” it added.
While maintaining that they do not intend to demean the composer or the patriotic spirit of the poem, the NJCF declared its firm stand against what it perceives as a forced act. The Forum urged the government to reconsider the order to prevent creating “division and suspicion.”
The NJCF also expressed appreciation for legislators who defended the Christian faith in the state assembly and encouraged them to continue doing so.
