Kohima: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF), on Thursday, expressed strong displeasure and condemnation over recent remarks made by BJP minister Temjen Imna Along regarding the singing of Vande Mataram in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
In a statement, the federation said it was "deeply regrettable" that the minister continued to justify what it described as the imposition of the Indian national song in institutions within the state, despite the organisation's earlier opposition issued on February 20, 2026.
The NSF said it had previously objected to instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (India) mandating that Vande Mataram be played or sung before the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during certain high-level official functions. The federation also opposed attempts to extend such directives to educational institutions.
According to the NSF, Vande Mataram carries "strong and undeniable religious connotations" rooted in the worship of Hindu deities. It argued that any move to institutionalise the recitation of the song within the state Assembly or public institutions in Nagaland would violate the spirit of Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which safeguards the religious and social practices of the Naga people.
"The attempt to portray the song as purely secular and historical deliberately ignores the legitimate concerns raised by communities whose faith and cultural identity do not align with its religious imagery," the NSF said.
The federation further criticised Along for publicly defending the move, alleging that his position appeared to prioritise political interests over the rights and sensitivities of the Naga people.
"By advocating for the normalization of VandeMataram within the Assembly, he risks undoing what generations of Nagas have sacrificed so much to defend the preservation of our identity, our faith and our rights. No individual or political representative has the mandate to dilute or compromise the hard-earned rights of the Naga people," the statement added.
The NSF also questioned the state government's decision to refer the matter to a select committee to examine its applicability, saying there was "no rationale" for doing so when the issue already conflicted with constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A).
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter - stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure - just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Reiterating that the protection of Naga identity and constitutional rights was "non-negotiable," the federation warned against any attempt to introduce or play Vande Mataram in administrative or educational institutions, including Nagaland University.
The NSF also called on its federating units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and prevent such practices within their jurisdictions. The statement was issued by NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and education committee convenor and NSF editor Pithungo Shitio.
| Nagaland: 'Imposition' of Vande Mataram in Assembly sparks debate