A large protest rally was held on Monday at Old MLA Hostel junction in Kohima against the reported mandatory imposition of the song Vande Mataram in educational institutions and official functions.
The demonstration was organized by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and was also conducted simultaneously across several districts in the state. The protest aimed to express strong opposition to the directive. During the rally, NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent read out a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Governor of Nagaland.
Participants carried placards with slogans such as “No forced secularism,” “Naga rights are non-negotiable,” and “Stop forced policies,” reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
Neingulo Krome, secretary general of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, criticized the directive, calling it an intrusion into the beliefs and identity of the people. He argued that imposing a song with Hindu imagery on non-Hindu communities contradicts the principles of secularism and religious freedom.
The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) also strongly opposed the directive reportedly issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. NJCF vice president Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao said that although the song carries patriotic value, certain elements conflict with Christian beliefs. He emphasized that Nagaland, being a Christian-majority state, cannot compromise on its religious convictions and urged the government to respect constitutional values and minority rights.
Similarly, Rev. Vangpong Phom of the Nagaland Christian Revival Church stated that the song has Hindu religious connotations and should not be imposed on Christians.
Jonas Yanthan, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, said that while there is no objection to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, the association cannot accept Vande Mataram due to its religious undertones and lack of constitutional backing.
In his address, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang stated that the identity and beliefs of the Naga people cannot be dictated by administrative orders. He clarified that Nagas respect national symbols but view the imposition of Vande Mataram as an issue of conscience. He added that the rally stood for secularism, freedom of belief, and minority rights.
The programme began with an invocation by Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü of the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship, while NSF vice president Vimeyiekho Vitso chaired the event. Hundreds of students and supporters took part in the rally, which later proceeded to Lok Bhavan to submit the memorandum addressed to Droupadi Murmu.
