Naga Groups Oppose Vande Mataram Directive Citing Article 371(A) Concerns

The Naga People's Front (NPF) and Naga Students' Federation (NSF) have opposed the Ministry of Home Affairs directive mandating the recitation of Vande Mataram in Nagaland's institutions and legislative assembly. Both groups argue that the song's religious references conflict with Nagaland's monotheistic beliefs and violate Article 371(A), which protects the state's religious and cultural practices. They caution that enforcing the song threatens Nagaland's identity and religious freedom, urging the government to reconsider the directive. Meanwhile, Minister Temjen Imna Along has defended the directive, prompting criticism from the NSF for risking the erosion of Naga rights and identity.