The Nagas are not merely a demographic constituency within an administrative arrangement; they are a people with a unique political history, cultural inheritance and collective consciousness which must be approached with wisdom, sensitivity and respect.
The press release stated “the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) expresses its most profound concern and categorical opposition to the recent directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the compulsory observance and
singing of the Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, prior to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during official ceremonies and within educational institutions. Such an instruction, formulated and promulgated without due cognisance of the historical and political sensitivities of the Naga people, represents an ill-conceived attempt to impose symbolic conformity upon a society whose identity and historical consciousness are both distinct and deeply rooted. The Nagas are not merely a demographic constituency within an administrative arrangement; they are a people with a unique political history, cultural inheritance and collective consciousness which must be approached with wisdom, sensitivity and respect.
“While ANSAM remains fully aware of the constitutional framework of the Indian Union, including the obligations enshrined under Article 51A(a), it must be unequivocally emphasised that constitutional provisions cannot be interpreted as instruments of coercion. The compulsion of symbolic observances, particularly within institutions of learning, undermines the very democratic ethos that the Constitution purports to uphold.The directive suggesting that
the academic day in schools commence with the community singing of Vande Mataram, coupled with instructions to “popularise” the National Song and the National Anthem, is deeply disquieting. Educational institutions must remain citadels of intellectual liberty, moral discernment and critical inquiry. They cannot, and must not, be reduced to arenas for the enforcement of symbolic allegiance through administrative decree.
“ANSAM therefore places on record its firm caution to all administrative authorities, educational boards and institutional heads operating within the Naga areas of Manipur to refrain from implementing any measure that compels the singing or observance of Vande Mataram in contravention of the sentiments and historical realities of the Naga people. Any unilateral attempt to enforce such directives will inevitably be regarded as a disregard for the collective dignity and sovereign rights of the Nagas. The Association further directs all constituent units and subordinate units under its jurisdiction to maintain vigilant oversight within their respective institutions and jurisdictions. Instances of coercion, administrative excess or forced compliance must be meticulously documented and brought to the attention of the Association without delay. At this delicate juncture, ANSAM calls upon the Government of India and all concerned authorities to exercise political prudence, administrative restraint and statesmanship. Measures that disregard the historical experiences and cultural sensitivities of the Naga people will only erode the fragile architecture of mutual respect and coexistence.
“The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur reiterates with utmost clarity that the dignity, identity, political and historical rights of the Naga people are neither matters of administrative convenience nor subjects of symbolic compulsion. These principles remain inviolable and shall be defended with unwavering determination in unison without fear and without reproach” stated the release issued by Information & Publicity, ANSAM
