NBCC, LBCA oppose ‘Vande Mataram’ mandate

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Vankhosung, Wokha, have joined the growing opposition to the widespread rejection of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directive mandating the singing or playing of “Vande Mataram” before the National Anthem at official functions.
In a joint press release, NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener and secretary social concern Dr. Villo Naleo appreciated the state government for thoroughly deliberating the matter in the ongoing session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
NBCC fully endorsed the sentiments shared by the majority of MLAs who have expressed their resentment during recent discussions on the issue. Highlighting key sentiments articulated by MLAs, NBCC said some MLAs viewed playing “Vande Mataram” was an infringement of the Art 371A, some opined that introduction of the song itself was controversial due to its religious connotation, some pointed out that Art 25 allows all religions to profess their faith and not impose on others while many of the MLAs strongly expressed that their conscience does not allow them to accept this imposition. The council commended the sharp opposition expressed by MLAs.
It described the MHA directive as part of a broader pattern challenging India’s secular ideals. NBCC cited examples such as pushes for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), rewriting of history, saffronisation of education, anti-conversion laws, renaming of places and schemes with Hindu associations, targeting of religious minorities, religious reconversion efforts, and cow vigilantism. NBCC said all these activities have already disintegrated the fabric of secularism.
NBCC expressed the view that imposition of “Vande Mataram” was as a religious and psychological manipulation over widely accepted national anthem.
The council also appreciated the objections raised by various church organisations, civil societies, student bodies, and political parties in the state, fully resonating with their statements.
NBCC cited the 1986 Supreme Court ruling in the Bijoe Emmanuel case—which held that no one can be compelled to sing a patriotic song against their religious beliefs. “If such court rulings are being derided by the law makers, the present mandatory order of the MHA shows legal impunity and moral intimidation to its citizens,” the council stated.
NBCC has encouraged all believers to remain vigilant and rise to protect their identity, dignity and integrity of their people and land.
LBCA: Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Vankhosung, Wokha, registered its strong protest against the MHA directive.
In a press release, LBCA executive secretary Rev. Nyanchumo Lotha stated that said the association holds utmost respect for the law of the land, but affirmed that any attempt to enforce a culture and belief alien to the Naga people was unacceptable. LBCA reminded elected members of the NLA that the House serves as the true representative of the Naga people. It urged MLAs to ensure that proceedings reflected the genuine will and aspiration of the people of the state and not become a platform for compromising Naga interests and well-being.
The association has called upon MLAs to invoke Article 371(A)—which guarantees the safeguarding of Naga religion, culture, social practices, and customary laws—and firmly oppose the mandatory chanting or reciting of “Vande Mataram” in Nagaland.
Further, LBCA urged lawmakers to take proactive steps in the future to prevent any imposition of external cultural elements that could prove detrimental to Naga beliefs and faith.
NTPRADAO: Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organization (NTPRADAO) has opposed the singing of Vande Mataram at official events and inside the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, stating that the song is “inimical and alien to Naga ethos and culture.”
NTPRADAO vice president Zuchamo Patton and secretary general Ikato Sumi said that as Christians, Nagas follow Jesus Christ in body, spirit, and practice, and accepting anything contrary to their faith is non-negotiable.
While acknowledging the song’s patriotic connotations, the organisation said Vande Mataram involves the worship of Hindu goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, which conflicts with Christian beliefs.
NTPRADAO also condemned minister Temjen Imna Along for defending the song in the Assembly, while appreciating several legislators who opposed its usage with “full Christian conviction and sincerity.”
The organisation further appealed to the Government of India to respect Nagaland’s unique rights, Christian faith, and socio-cultural ethos in line with the principles of unity in diversity and the federal structure.