KOHIMA: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) marched to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, August 1, demanding a resolution against the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official and private events in the state.
The protest was held on the first day of the Monsoon Session of the Assembly, with protesters marching from Naga Solidarity Park and raising slogans against what they described as the imposition of the song.
NSF president Mteisuding said the protest was not intended to insult the nation or the national song but stemmed from the organisation’s belief that Vande Mataram was “against our faith”.
“We outrightly reject the imposition of Vande Mataram as it goes against our religion,” he said.
Mteisuding said the NSF would not compromise on the religious beliefs and rights of the Naga people and appealed to Naga legislators to prioritise their religious convictions.
The federation has sought an Assembly resolution prohibiting the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official and private programmes in Nagaland, saying the demand was aimed at safeguarding the secular character of Naga society.
The NSF said it had submitted a representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, urging them to facilitate the adoption of the resolution.
Mteisuding said the organisation would continue its protest outside the Assembly until the resolution was adopted.
