The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed the recent directive reportedly issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the playing or singing of Vande Mataram before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during official functions and extending the same protocol to educational institutions.
The statement issued by NSF President Mteisuding Heraang and General Secretary Kenilo Kent stated that, “the Naga Students’ Federation said the directive fails to take into account the historical, political and cultural realities of the Naga people. While acknowledging the constitutional framework of India, including the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A(a), the NSF asserted that no authority can impose cultural or ideological conformity in the Naga homeland.”
The Federation expressed particular concern over instructions suggesting that the day’s work in schools may begin with community singing of Vande Mataram and efforts to “popularize” the National Song and National Anthem. It maintained that schools are institutions of learning and critical thought, and should not be turned into platforms for symbolic enforcement.
The NSF urged the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to refrain from issuing any circulars or notifications enforcing the directive within its jurisdiction. It further cautioned school authorities and administrators against implementing such guidelines without proper consultation and understanding of ground realities.
“Any unilateral action would be viewed as an affront to the sentiments of the Naga students’ community, the Federation advised its federating units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant in their respective areas” added the statement.
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