DIMAPUR, AUG 12 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has directed its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and educational institutions do not send students to participate in the 2026 Independence Day programmes until the order mandating the playing or singing of the revised Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, during official functions is revoked.
In a notification, NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent said the federation had no objection to Independence Day celebrations or respect for the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols. It said its concern was the compulsory participation of students in Vande Mataram, particularly where its devotional and religious imagery could conflict with the conscience and beliefs of students from non-Hindu communities.
NSF asserted that India’s secular Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religion and that no student should be compelled to participate in an expression contrary to sincerely held beliefs. It stressed that Nagaland’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and mutual respect should be upheld.
NSF recalled its earlier objection to the Ministry of Home Affairs communication dated January 28, 2026, on the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram, citing concerns among the Naga people and constitutional safeguards under Article 371A concerning Naga religious and social practices.
NSF directed its units to convey its position to educational institutions and ensure that no student faces disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or academic consequences for declining to participate in Vande Mataram on grounds of conscience or religious belief.
It said it would continue to pursue the matter peacefully and democratically while safeguarding the rights, beliefs, identity and conscience of students, youth and the Naga people.
Students’ bodies back NSF directive
Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Angami Students’ Union (ASU) and Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) have endorsed the directive issued by NSF, to refrain from sending students to Independence Day programmes where compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram is imposed.
AKM: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has directed all schools and educational institutions under its jurisdiction not to send students to participate in the celebration of India’s Independence Day on August 15, 2026, until further direction.
In a notification issued with reference to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) notification of August 12, 2026, AKM president Lanulemba Longchar and general secretary Aomayang Longkumer said the decision was taken in view of concerns raised regarding the mandatory playing or singing of the revised Vande Mataram and the protection of students’ freedom of conscience and religious belief. AKM has requested all concerned to strictly comply with the notification.
ASU: Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has directed all its subordinate units and affiliated bodies to ensure compliance with the NSF directive on Vande Mataram and Independence Day 2026.
In a notification, ASU president Diezevisie Nakhro and vice president Zhovito Rikha said no student should be compelled to sing or play Vande Mataram during Independence Day programmes, stating that it was against the religious beliefs of the Naga people.
Accordingly, ASU directed its subordinate units and affiliated bodies to ensure that no student participates in any programme or celebration organised in connection with India’s Independence Day 2026.
The union clarified that it respects the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols, while asserting that the freedom of conscience and religious beliefs of every student must also be respected.
It said no student should face disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or academic consequences for declining to participate.
ASU directed all concerned to strictly adhere to the notification and ensure protection of the rights, dignity and conscience of students.
The union said it would continue to uphold its position through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means in the larger interest of students and the Naga people.
It also appealed to the Naga populace to “rise in unison” and abstain from attending the Independence Day programme, reiterating its religious faith and beliefs.
CSU: Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has reaffirmed its opposition to the compulsory observance and singing of the revised Indian National Song Vande Mataram during official functions and in educational institutions.
In a notification issued in reference to the NSF, and reiterating its earlier notification of March 13, 2026, CSU president Povozo Soho and general secretary Rhilo Chiero said the Chakhesang community and Nagas had no objection to the celebration of India’s Independence Day or to the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols.
However, it maintained that no student should be compelled to participate in any religiously or culturally sensitive expression contrary to their conscience and beliefs.
CSU accordingly directed all its affiliated units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and educational institutions within their respective jurisdictions do not send students to participate in the Independence Day programme on August 15 where compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram is imposed.
The directive, it said, would remain in force until the Ministry of Home Affairs revokes or withdraws the order mandating such compulsory observance.
The union further directed that any instance of coercion, intimidation, discrimination or disciplinary action against students for declining to participate should be immediately reported to the CSU office.
CSU said respect for the nation and its constitutional values should go hand in hand with respect for individual conscience, religious freedom, diversity and the dignity of every student.
It called upon its affiliated units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding the rights and interests of students.