Nagaland tightens security amid Vande Mataram boycott call

Security has been intensified across Nagaland ahead of Independence Day celebrations, police said on Friday.

Speaking to PTI, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Sandeep M Tamgadge said the security situation is under control and expressed confidence that the celebrations would pass off peacefully without any untoward incidents.

On the call by the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and its constituent organisations to boycott the celebrations over 'Vande Mataram' being made mandatory, Tamgadge said the appeals were voluntary.

The NSF reiterated its opposition to the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during the August 15 celebrations.

NSF president Mteisuding told reporters that the federation was not opposed to national symbols but objected to 'Vande Mataram', saying it conflicted with faith and beliefs.

He said the NSF had decided, with the consent of its members, to boycott the celebrations in protest against the revised instructions issued by the Centre.

The federation had accordingly advised student communities across Nagaland not to participate in the August 15 programmes, he said.

The NSF's stand came as Nagas observed their 80th Independence Day on Friday, a day ahead of India's Independence Day. The federation reiterated its long-standing position on the Naga political issue and called for unity among Naga political groups.

Tamgadge said police had not received any official complaint of anyone being forcibly prevented from attending Independence Day celebrations.

"If there is any such complaint, action will be initiated," he said.

Stressing that Independence Day was a national event, he appealed to all sections of society to participate in the celebrations.

The state-level Independence Day function will be held at the Nagaland Secretariat Plaza in Kohima at 9 am, where Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will hoist the national flag.

A Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the state police, paramilitary forces, Home Guards, ex-servicemen and NCC, among others, will follow.

Similar celebrations will be held across districts and sub-divisions, where deputy chief ministers, ministers, advisors and respective additional deputy commissioners and sub-divisional officers will hoist the national flag.

As per instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, 'Vande Mataram' will be sung on the arrival of the chief minister at the venue, followed by the hoisting of the national flag and the national anthem.

After the chief minister's address, 'Vande Mataram' will be sung again, followed by the national anthem.

The ceremonies will thereafter feature a march past as well as cultural and entertainment programmes.

The Home Department has also directed members of the audience to stand to attention during the singing of 'Vande Mataram', as they do during the national anthem.