Naga students march to Assembly against Vande Mataram at official events

The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Tuesday marched to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, demanding a resolution against the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official events in the state.

The protest was held on the opening day of the Monsoon session of the Assembly in the Christian-majority northeastern state. The students marched from Naga Solidarity Park and raised slogans during the demonstration.

NSF president Mteisuding said the organisation opposed what it described as the imposition of Vande Mataram because it was contrary to the religious beliefs of the Naga people.

"We outrightly reject the imposition of Vande Mataram as it goes against our religion," he said, while stressing that the protest was not intended to insult the nation or the national song.

Mteisuding urged people in Nagaland to stand up for what he described as their right to protect their faith.

He also appealed to Naga legislators to give priority to their religious convictions, saying, "They are Christians first, then politicians." 

The NSF has demanded that the Assembly pass a resolution opposing the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official and private programmes in Nagaland. The organisation said the demand was aimed at protecting the secular character of society.

Mteisuding said the NSF had submitted a representation to Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker, requesting them to facilitate the adoption of such a resolution.

The student body said it would continue its protest and remain outside the Assembly until its demand was addressed.

The Monsoon session of the Nagaland Assembly will conclude on Thursday.  (with inputs from PTI)