Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) will hold a protest march from its office to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday morning, opposing what it describes as the “compulsory imposition” of the revised Vande Mataram at government programmes and official functions.
The student body is also seeking a strong resolution from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly against any compulsory singing, recital or playing of Vande Mataram in the state.
In a representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday, the NSF said it has no objection to respecting the National Flag, National Anthem and other duly recognised national symbols. However, it expressed concern over compulsory participation in Vande Mataram, particularly where its religious imagery may conflict with the conscience and beliefs of citizens belonging to non-Hindu communities.
“National unity and patriotism must therefore be promoted in a manner that respects religious freedom, individual conscience and dignity of every citizen,” the NSF said.
The federation cited constitutional guarantees relating to freedom of conscience and religious practice, and also referred to Article 371A, which provides special constitutional safeguards for Nagaland concerning, among other matters, the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
The NSF said any policy or directive affecting the religious beliefs and conscience of the people of Nagaland should be examined in light of these constitutional protections.
The organisation also referred to a January 28, 2026 notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram, saying it had caused concern among sections of the Naga population.
According to the NSF, Naga students have expressed their opposition through peaceful non-participation in official programmes, including at Nagaland University’s convocation and during the Independence Day celebrations in the Naga homeland.
The federation has also urged the state government to table the report of the Select Committee constituted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the issue concerning Vande Mataram.
“If the Committee has already submitted its report, the Federation respectfully urges your Good Office to ensure that the same is formally laid and tabled before the House without further delay,” it said.
The NSF has called for substantive discussion on the issue in the Assembly and urged legislators to adopt a resolution opposing the compulsory singing or recital of Vande Mataram in Nagaland.
It further demanded that no student, employee, public servant or citizen face adverse consequences for peacefully declining to participate on grounds of conscience, faith or religious belief.
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A peaceful demonstration is scheduled on Tuesday morning ahead of the state Assembly session. The march will begin from the NSF office and proceed towards the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
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