Naga Students Rally Against Centre's Directive on Compulsory 'Vande Mataram' Singing

Thousands of students and citizens in Nagaland, led by the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), held rallies opposing the Centre's January 28 directive mandating the compulsory singing or playing of 'Vande Mataram' during official functions and in educational institutions. The NSF and other Naga bodies argue that the directive conflicts with the religious and cultural sensitivities of the predominantly Christian Naga people, citing concerns over freedom of conscience and the devotional imagery in the song. They submitted memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu, urging withdrawal of the directive and calling for dialogue before implementing such policies. The protesters emphasize respect for national symbols but oppose enforced symbolic conformity that they say undermines intellectual freedom and cultural diversity in the region.