NSF calls mass rally on March 16 against Vande Mataram directive

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has announced that it will organise a mass public rally in Kohima on March 16, 2026 to protest against the compulsory observance and singing of Vande Mataram in official functions and educational institutions.
In a notification, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and general secretary Kenilo Kent expressed concern over a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs dated January 28, 2026 mandating the observance and singing of the revised Indian national song in institutions. The federation said the directive had serious implications for the Naga homeland. NSF said the rally in Kohima would serve as a platform for the Naga people to collectively express their concerns and opposition to what it termed the compulsory imposition of Vande Mataram, while also upholding the democratic principle that the conscience and will of the people must be respected.
In solidarity with the rally, NSF directed all its federating units and subordinate bodies across the Naga homeland to organise peaceful demonstrations at their respective places on March 16. The federation also instructed units to ensure that educational institutions under their jurisdictions hold symbolic and peaceful demonstrations within their campuses on the same day.
According to NSF, the demonstrations aim to express opposition to the compulsory imposition of Vande Mataram, protect the rights and conscience of Naga students and institutions, reaffirm the identity and beliefs of the Naga people, and demonstrate unity in safeguarding their rights and dignity. All units have been asked to submit pictorial and video documentation of the demonstrations to the NSF office for record and documentation purposes.
AKM backs NSF stand; calls for protest: The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has expressed serious concern over a recent directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the compulsory observance and singing of Vande Mataram during official functions and in educational institutions. In a statement, AKM president Lanulemba Longchar and general secretary Aomayang Longkumer said it acknowledged the position taken by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and noted the sensitivities surrounding the historical, cultural and religious context of the Naga people.
AKM stated that educational institutions in the Naga homeland should promote inclusive learning, critical thinking and respect for diverse identities and beliefs. It said any measure perceived as compulsory symbolic conformity, particularly on matters with religious or historical implications, required careful consideration and consultation with the concerned communities.
In view of the concerns raised, AKM said it was directing all schools, colleges and educational institutions under Mokokchung district not to enforce or mandate the singing or playing of Vande Mataram in their respective institutions.
Further, AKM requested educational institutions in the district to observe symbolic and peaceful demonstrations on March 16 to express resentment against the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It said the demonstrations should be conducted in a dignified and disciplined manner within the institutions.
AKM also appealed to all institutional authorities to maintain peace, unity and discipline while upholding the dignity, rights and identity of the Naga people.