Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer has confirmed that the House has referred the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive on the recital of “Vande Mataram” to its Select Committee, following heated deliberations during the recent session.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Chümoukedima, Longkumer revealed that the Assembly received a standing order from the Centre instructing legislatures nationwide to play “Vande Mataram” before the National Anthem. “Since it is a government standing order, we had to follow suit,” he said, clarifying that the National Anthem continues to be played as per protocol for the Governor.
The Speaker acknowledged that reservations were raised even before the session began, and the issue featured prominently during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address.
Several members voiced strong sentiments on the floor, with Longkumer noting that legislators were “very agitated and expressive” in their interventions. “As Speaker, I had to take note of all opinions and views shared. There was extensive discussion,” he stated.
Ultimately, the House resolved unanimously to refer the matter to the Select Committee of the NLA. Headed by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister for Law & Justice, with the Advocate General as a member, the committee is tasked with examining the directive in light of Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which grants Nagaland special provisions regarding the applicability of Central laws. Longkumer emphasized that Nagaland is the only state with such a committee, describing it as “very significant” in safeguarding local concerns.
Asked whether the directive could amount to an infringement of Article 371(A), Longkumer refrained from offering a personal opinion, stressing that the issue now rests with the Select Committee. “If the desire of the House is to examine it through the Committee, we may as well do so. That was our decision,” he said.
The Speaker expressed hope that the matter would be discussed amicably and that the views of the Assembly would be appropriately conveyed to the Union Government.
Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer has also welcomed the recently signed Memorandum of Agreement on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, calling it a positive step for the people of Eastern Nagaland. He clarified that the MoA has not yet been formally tabled in the Assembly but, being tripartite in nature, will require legislative action once shared with the government. On the vacant Assembly constituency, Longkumer said the State Election Commission will announce a by election, possibly alongside Tripura’s following the demise of its Speaker. “It is just anticipation. The State Election Commission is the right authority to decide,” he added.
It may also be mentioned that NPF legislator Küzholüzo Nienu, who initiated the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address during the Assembly session on Tuesday, strongly objected to the recitation of “Vande Mataram” in the Assembly, describing it as unprecedented in his 24-year tenure. He pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs order does not mention the Assembly and asserted that, as Christians, they cannot serve two masters.
Citing Article 371(A), which protects Naga religious and social practices unless resolved by the Assembly, he placed on record his strong resentment against what he termed an imposition on their faith.
BJP legislator Temjen Imna Along also commented on the singing of “Vande Mataram”. He said the national song was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1950. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s, he said it became a national song in the context of the freedom struggle against the British Empire. He said India has a population of 142 crore, with more than a hundred crore being Hindu, and added that the way the motherland is epitomised in other parts of the country is according to their thought process — in the form of Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi. “I am not here to justify, but at least we can all respect the sentiment of the nation,” he said.
He added that secularism means accepting and respecting each other’s thought process and that “Vande Mataram” should not be taken as an infringement on Article 371(A) or on faith, but respected as a national song.
Christian forum rejects MHA’s ‘Vande Mataram’ directive
DIMAPUR, MAR 4 (NPN): Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has strongly opposed a recent directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, instructing all states and Union Territories to sing the national song “Vande Mataram” at every official function, including in schools and other institutions.
In a press release, NJCF president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino and general secretary Rev. Moses Murry acknowledged the spirit of patriotism conveyed through the song.
However, the forum expressed deep concern over specific elements in its content, which it described as incompatible with Christian faith and principles.
NJCF stressed that the principle of secularism, as enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, must be upheld in both letter and spirit.
As a Christian-majority state, the forum said Nagaland cannot compromise its religious convictions by complying with the directive. NJCF, therefore, said it outrightly rejected the Union Ministry’s instruction.
NJCF has urged the Government of India to respect the religious rights and sentiments of minority communities, who have contributed equally to the nation’s social fabric.
It also appealed to the competent authorities to reconsider the order in the interest of preserving religious freedom for every citizen.
NJCF asserted that the existing National Anthem was sufficient to foster national unity, adding that no additional song should be imposed. “There are things where it is best to remain silent and Vande Mataram is one of such because it submits allegiance to a deity which is contrary to our Christian faith and beliefs,” the forum said.
NJCF maintained that it harboured no opposition to the patriotic spirit of the song or its composer, whose contribution it held in high esteem. However, the forum firmly maintained that forcing individuals—especially children—to recite lyrics that conflicted with their religious conscience amounted to an infringement on personal faith.
The forum highlighted biblical teachings against bowing to or pledging allegiance to any deity other than the one true God, describing such acts as constituting idolatry with serious spiritual implications.
Further, NJCF cautioned against what it termed “divisive policies” by the government, vowing to remain vigilant in safeguarding the community against any measures perceived as anti-Christian or coercive. “Only those whose conscience are dead will submit to such thing,” the forum said.
It said that true appreciation of India’s religious and cultural diversity required minimal interference from the majority.
Appealing for mutual tolerance, the forum said “As much as we do not force you to sing our songs which would allow you to submit to our belief system, we will also expect the same from the majority. That is in a simple term ‘tolerance’.”
NJCF has called upon the authorities to focus on their political responsibilities without fostering division or suspicion through forceful measures.