Daijiworld Media Network – Kohima

Kohima, Feb 20: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF), an influential student body in the Northeast, has strongly opposed recent directives issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandating that the Indian National Song Vande Mataram be sung or played before the National Anthem at official functions, and extending the same protocol to educational institutions.

In a release issued on Friday, the federation stated that the directive, which prescribes a rigid sequence of precedence and applies it to schools, amounts to an imposition that fails to acknowledge the historical, political and cultural realities of the Naga people.

“While the NSF is aware of the constitutional framework of the Indian State, including Article 51A(a), we categorically assert that no authority can compel cultural or ideological conformity upon the Naga homeland in a manner that disregards our unique history and identity,” the statement read.

The Home Ministry, in a 10-page order dated January 28, mandated that a six-stanza, 3-minute-and-10-second version of Vande Mataram be played or sung at several official occasions. These include during the unfurling of the Tricolour, the arrival of the President at events, before and after presidential addresses to the nation, and during the arrival and speeches of Governors. The order also lists occasions and venues, including school assemblies, where the song may be rendered.

“In all schools, the day’s work may begin with community singing of the national song. School authorities should make adequate provision in their programmes for popularising the singing of the national song, national anthem and promoting respect for the national flag among students,” the order stated.

The NSF expressed concern over the specific instruction that schools may begin the day with the community singing of Vande Mataram, along with directions to “popularise” both the National Song and the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

“The NSF hereby warns that no such activities mandating the compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana shall take place in schools across the Naga homeland,” the federation asserted.

The student body called upon the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to refrain from issuing any circulars or notifications enforcing the protocol within its jurisdiction. It also cautioned school authorities and administrators against implementing such guidelines without due consultation with stakeholders and a proper understanding of ground realities.

The development has triggered fresh debate in the state, with observers noting that the issue touches upon sensitive questions of identity, autonomy and the relationship between the Centre and the Naga people.