NSF holds protest rally over Vande Mataram; submits representation to President Murmu

A mass rally was organized Monday at Old MLA Hostel junction in Kohima to protest against mandatory imposition of the song “Vande Mataram” in educational institutions and official functions.
The rally was organized by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and also held simultaneously in various districts across the state to express opposition to the directive. At the protest rally at Kohima, NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent read out the memorandum submitted to the President of India through Nagaland governor.
(Memorandum on p-6)
Students were seen holding placards with slogans such as “No forced secularism”, “Naga rights are non-negotiable”, “Stop forced policies” and “Let faith have a place in public life” etc.
Neingulo Krome, secretary general of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, condemned the recent directive as an “invasion into the hearts and souls of the people.” He argued that India, despite projecting itself as the world’s largest democracy and a signatory to international human rights covenants, undermines secularism by imposing a song with Hindu imagery on non-Hindu communities.
Krome questioned its imposition on Christian groups, including the Nagas, calling it an insult to their faith and identity.
Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has voiced strong opposition to a reported directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs requiring states and Union Territories to sing Vande Mataram at official functions and in schools. NJCF vice president, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, said the forum was deeply disturbed by the order, noting that while the song carries patriotic intent, certain elements contradict Christian beliefs.
Stressing that Nagaland, as a Christian-majority state, cannot compromise its religious convictions, Phesao rejected the directive. He urged the government to uphold secular principles enshrined in the Constitution, respect minority rights, and reconsider the order in light of the strong sentiments expressed by the Naga people.
Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC) advisor Rev. Vangpong Phom criticized the directive, calling Vande Mataram a song with Hindu religious connotations. He questioned its imposition on Christians and asserted believers would resist any form of religious coercion.
Jonas Yanthan, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, said the Diocese of Kohima was deeply concerned over the government’s notification. He clarified that while there was no objection to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, which he described as reflecting the true spirit of India, the association could not accept Vande Mataram due to its religious overtones and lack of constitutional validation. Yanthan stressed that Nagaland, created under special constitutional provisions guaranteeing religious freedom, could not accept directives undermining secularism. He added that India’s strength lies in diversity and accommodative traditions, not religious dominance.
In his presidential address, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mteisuding Heraang declared that the identity and beliefs of the Naga people cannot be dictated by administrative directives. He clarified that Nagas are not opposed to national symbols but stressed that the imposition of Vande Mataram is a matter of conscience, as the song contains devotional imagery tied to a particular deity. Heraang said the rally stood for secularism, freedom of conscience, and minority rights, noting similar demonstrations across the Naga homeland. A memorandum adopted at the rally will be submitted to President Droupadi Murmu.
Earlier, the programme began with invocation by Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü, president of the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF), while NSF vice president Vimeyiekho Vitso chaired the programme. Hundreds of students and supporters participated in the rally, which later proceeded to Lok Bhavan for submitting the representation.