Several organizations in Nagaland, including the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), and Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), have opposed a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs requiring the recitation of Vande Mataram before the National Anthem. They argue that this imposition threatens their Christian-majority identity and violates Article 371(A), which protects their religious practices and customs. The NPF condemned the directive as a forceful imposition and called for a reconsideration to uphold India’s secular nature. CBCC echoed these sentiments, asserting that Vande Mataram is not universally acceptable and highlighting inconsistencies with policies regarding religious practices in schools. The NSF also criticized remarks from a BJP legislator that support the directive, reiterating that Vande Mataram’s religious connotations conflict with Christian beliefs. They warned against institutionalizing its recitation and called for vigilance among their members to prevent such practices.
‘Vande Mataram’ Directive Faces Opposition from Naga People’s Front and Chakhesang Baptist Church Council in Nagaland
