Protest over mandatory Vande Mataram singing enters second day in Nagaland, govt urges NSF to withdraw

The Naga Students' Federation's (NSF) protest against the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram outside the Nagaland Assembly entered its second day on Thursday, even as the issue was taken up during Zero Hour in the House.

NSF members sang hymns including "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder", "Onward, Christian Soldiers" and "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" as they protested the Centre's directive on compulsory singing of Vande Mataram.

Raising the matter in the Assembly, NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon, a former NSF president, said the agitation was not limited to any particular constituency but concerned the state as a whole.

He said the controversy over compulsory singing of Vande Mataram had already generated extensive debate in the House and that the state government had taken note of concerns expressed by legislators across tribal and political affiliations, as well as by the Church, civil society organisations, tribal bodies and the NSF.

Kikon said a January 28 order of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed states to ensure compulsory singing of Vande Mataram during the arrival of important VVIPs at national functions, including the Governor's arrival at the Assembly.

The issue was subsequently referred to a committee examining the applicability in Nagaland of laws enacted by Parliament in the context of Article 371A of the Constitution.

The committee, headed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister K G Kenye, has examined the matter and was expected to submit its report during the ongoing Assembly session.

However, Kikon said the enactment of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, had necessitated a fresh examination of the legal position.

He appealed to the NSF to withdraw its agitation, saying its concerns would be addressed through the appropriate forum.

Kenye described the issue as "very contentious" and "hypersensitive", particularly in the context of Article 371A and other constitutional provisions.

He said the committee had met twice, in May and June, and was ready to table its report. However, the President's assent to the Bill passed by Parliament had changed the legal circumstances.

"Earlier it was an executive directive, and now that it has been enacted by Parliament, it takes the shape of law," Kenye said.

The committee is awaiting publication of the legislation in the Gazette of India before examining its provisions further, after which it will submit its report to the House, he said.

Despite the government's appeal, the NSF said it would continue its protest unless the Nagaland Assembly adopted a resolution opposing the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram.

Nagaland's lone Lok Sabha member, S Supongmeren Jamir, also visited the protest site and expressed solidarity with the protesters. He assured the students that he would take up the matter with the Centre.