KOHIMA, Mar 5: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday warned against any attempt to introduce or play Vande Mataram in institutions across Nagaland and expressed strong displeasure over remarks by BJP legislator Temjen Imna Along supporting the recitation of the song in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

In a press statement, the federation condemned what it described as attempts to “justify and normalise the imposition of the Indian national song in institutions within the state.” It reiterated its earlier opposition to the directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating that Vande Mataram be played or sung before the national anthem during certain high-level official functions.

According to the NSF, Vande Mataram carries “strong and undeniable religious connotations rooted in the worship of Hindu deities,” and any effort to enforce or institutionalise its recitation within the Assembly or public institutions would violate the spirit of Article 371A, which safeguards the unique religious and social practices of the Naga people.

The federation stated that portraying the song as purely secular and historical ignores the concerns of communities whose faith and cultural identity do not align with its religious imagery.

Expressing disappointment over Minister Along’s stance, the NSF termed it “extremely unfortunate” that the legislator had publicly defended the recitation of the song, warning that such advocacy could undermine the preservation of Naga identity, faith and rights.

The student body also questioned the state government’s decision to refer the issue to a Select Committee for examination, stating that it saw “no rationale” for doing so when the move itself appears to undermine safeguards provided under Article 371A.

Warning against any attempt to introduce the song in institutions, the NSF asserted that Vande Mataram must not be played in administrative or educational institutions, including Nagaland University, or in any public institution across the Naga homeland.

The federation further directed its federating units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant and ensure that such practices are not allowed within their respective jurisdictions under any circumstances.