Kohima, March 5: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed strong displeasure over recent remarks made by Temjen Imna Along, a legislator of the Bharatiya Janata Party, regarding the recitation of Vande Mataram in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
In a press statement issued on March 5, the student body said it was regrettable that the legislator continued to defend what it described as the imposition of the Indian national song in state institutions, despite the federation’s earlier opposition communicated on February 20, 2026. The NSF reiterated its objection to directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the playing or singing of Vande Mataram prior to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during certain official programmes and warned against extending such directives to educational institutions.
According to the federation, Vande Mataram contains religious imagery linked to the worship of Hindu deities, and any move to institutionalise its recitation in the Assembly or other public bodies would run contrary to the spirit of Article 371(A), which safeguards the religious and social customs of the Naga people. The organisation stated that presenting the song as entirely secular overlooks the concerns of communities whose faith and cultural identity do not correspond with its symbolism.
The NSF further described the legislator’s public defence of the proposal as unfortunate, alleging that such a position disregards the sensitivities and constitutional protections of the Naga community. It asserted that no political representative has the authority to dilute the safeguards meant to protect Naga traditions, beliefs and customary practices.
The federation also questioned the decision to refer the matter to a Select Committee to examine its applicability, arguing that any attempt to introduce the practice would undermine the protections granted under Article 371(A).
Additionally, the NSF cautioned against introducing or playing Vande Mataram in any administrative or educational institution across Nagaland, including Nagaland University. It directed its federating units and affiliated bodies to remain vigilant and to resist any effort to enforce such measures within their jurisdictions.
The statement was jointly issued by Mteisuding Heraang, President of the NSF, and Pithungo Shitio, Editor of the federation and Convenor of its Education Committee.
