NSF, the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) and some church organisations in Nagaland have opposed the MHA’s directive of playing or singing of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events and educational institutions.Dimapur: Amid controversy over singing of Vande Mataram in govt programmes in Nagaland, several Nagaland University students and scholars boycotted singing the national song during the 8th convocation of the university.A video circulating on social media showed a number of students and scholars seated while Vande Mataram was being played at the beginning and conclusion of the convocation ceremony at the Lumami campus of the university in Zunheboto district on Friday. Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan was in attendance as the chief guest of the ceremony.Reportedly, the Nagaland University Students’ Union (Lumami Campus), under directive from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), protested the playing of the song at the ceremony.NSF, the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) and some church organisations in Nagaland have opposed the MHA’s directive of playing or singing of Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events and educational institutions.NSF has maintained that the directive disregards Naga cultural sensitivities, religious beliefs and constitutional protections under Article 371(A). Similarly, NPF, has called it a “forceful imposition”, while Christian organisations such as the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) argued that parts of the song conflicted with their Christian beliefs.The issue had also come up for a discussion at the Nagaland assembly on Tuesday.CM Neiphiu Rio said the issue of recitation of Vande Mataram should be referred to a select committee of the assembly for detailed examination, including legal consultation, before arriving at a decision.
Published On Mar 9, 2026 at 04:27 PM IST
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