NPCC takes exception to Imna Along’s stand on Vande Mataram

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has raised a serious concern with recent remarks in the Assembly by Imna Along who had sought to justify singing of Vande Mataram before the people of Nagaland.
NPCC through its chairman media and publicity Andrew Humtsoe, said such a stance demands scrutiny as Nagaland is not a generic province.
NPCC said Nagaland has a distinct history, a unique identity, and constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A). That provision was not granted lightly but that it guaranteed respect for the religious and social practices, customary laws, and traditions of the Naga people.
NPCC thus said Vande Mataram has a place in India’s freedom struggle but that parts of the song contain explicit references to Hindu deities and religious imagery. In a state where Christianity shapes spiritual and cultural life, insisting on such a ritual was insensitive it said.
NPCC opined that leaders must be careful when addressing matters of faith. To normalise or justify imposition in this context is irresponsible it said.
NPCC warned that the episode was not isolated but a broader push by majoritarian forces to influence schools, colleges, and public life.
The party cautioned that such moves threaten pluralism and the constitutional protections that preserve diversity. It said citizens must remain alert to any attempt to dilute local identity through ideological pressure.
NPCC also said political loyalty cannot trump duty to the people. Further NPCC said elected representatives must respect the sentiments and faith of those they serve. Nagaland needs leaders who defend constitutional guarantees and uphold the dignity of local traditions.
So NPCC said its call is simple and firm- stop misleading the public. NPCC urged Along to stand for the people, not for ideological imposition. It added that right-thinking citizens should unite to safeguard the unique identity, faith, and rights of the Naga people.