‘Not to Insult, But...’: Why Nagaland Students Are Protesting the Vande Mataram Mandate

 "We outrightly reject the imposition of Vande Mataram as it goes against our religion," while clarifying that the protest was not intended to insult the nation or the national song.

By Sakshi

New Delhi, September 1: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday marched to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima, demanding a resolution against the singing of Vande Mataram at official and private events. They said the protest was not intended to insult the nation but was prompted by the song being "against our faith".

On the first day of the Monsoon session of the Assembly in the Christian-majority northeastern state, the protesters raised slogans and marched from Naga Solidarity Park. NSF president Mteisuding said the students' organisation would not compromise on the rights and religious beliefs of the Naga people.

The NSF president said they demand the Assembly pass a resolution against the Vande Mataram mandate.

Reasons for protest

Mteisuding called upon the Naga people to stand for their "right to protect their faith". He said, "We outrightly reject the imposition of Vande Mataram as it goes against our religion," while clarifying that the protest was not intended to insult the nation or the national song.

He also urged Naga MLAs to prioritise their religious convictions, saying, "They are Christians first, then politicians."

The NSF president said they demand the Assembly pass a resolution against the Vande Mataram mandate. He said the move was aimed at safeguarding the secular character of society.

Mteisuding further informed the gathering that the NSF had submitted a representation to the Chief Minister and the Assembly speaker, urging them to facilitate the adoption of an Assembly resolution against the imposition of Vande Mataram.

The NSF would continue its protest and remain outside the Assembly gate until the resolution was adopted, he added.

The Monsoon session of the Assembly will conclude on Thursday.