Dimapur: Amid an ongoing controversy over the directive of mandatory recitation of Vande Mataram at state govenment events, educational institutions, and legislative Assembly proceedings in Nagaland, students and research scholars of Nagaland University reportedly boycotted the national song during the institution’s eighth convocation ceremony.
Videos circulating on social media showed students and scholars remaining seated when the song was played at the beginning and conclusion of the convocation ceremony, held at the Lumami campus in Zunheboto district on Friday. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the event as the chief guest.
The protest by the Nagaland University Students’ Union followed a boycott call issued by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
NSF, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), and several church organisations have strongly opposed a recent Ministry of Home Affairs directive. The mandate requires the playing or singing of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official government events, educational institutions, and Assembly sessions.
The NSF argued that the directive disregards Naga cultural sensitivities, religious beliefs, and the special constitutional protections granted under Article 371(A).
Echoing this stance, the NPF opposed the playing of the national song in schools and during legislative proceedings, describing the move as a “forceful imposition.” Christian bodies, including the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, have similarly expressed reservations, stating that parts of the song conflict with their religious tenets.
The issue also dominated the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 3, where several legislators opposed the rendition of the national song, arguing it was inappropriate for a Christian-majority state.
However, Temjen Imna Along, a BJP legislator and the State’s Tourism and Higher Education Minister, urged members to view the song in its historical and secular context. He maintained that the Union government’s directive should not be interpreted as an infringement upon Article 371(A) or the Christian faith.
Attempting to resolve the impasse, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio later announced that the matter regarding the recitation of Vande Mataram would be referred to a select committee of the Assembly. The panel will conduct a detailed examination, including legal consultations, before the state takes a final decision.