Opposition to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive mandating the singing or playing of “Vande Mataram” before the National Anthem at official functions and institutions continues to grow in Nagaland, with several church bodies and student organisations expressing concern over the move.The latest to join the opposition are the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), Nagaland Pentecostal Mission (NPM), and the Angami Students’ Union (ASU). The organisations said the directive has raised questions about religious freedom, cultural identity, and constitutional protections, particularly in the context of Nagaland’s special provisions under Article 371(A) of the Constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued the directive on January 28, 2026, asking that “Vande Mataram” be sung or played before the National Anthem at official functions, educational institutions, and state assemblies.
Since then, several organisations in Nagaland have voiced objections, saying the directive could affect the religious beliefs and practices of many people in the state. Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) expressed solidarity with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in opposing any move to make the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory. ABAM executive secretary Rev. Temsu Jamir said that while expressions of patriotism are important, faith and personal conscience must also be respected in a democratic country like India. ABAM appreciated the NBCC for what it described as a clear and principled stand on the issue. The organisation said the church council had acted with clarity while protecting the ethical and constitutional rights of the people. It also thanked members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for their role in safeguarding constitutional values and religious liberties in the state.
The organisation said it remains committed to peace, unity, and mutual respect among communities. At the same time, it stressed that the constitutional rights and religious freedoms granted to citizens must be protected at all times. The Nagaland Pentecostal Mission (NPM) also expressed strong support for the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum and other Christian groups that have opposed the directive. In a statement, NPM joint secretary-II Besüto Nakro said that Christians in Nagaland have always respected the National Anthem, the National Flag, and the sovereignty of India.
