The NSF said any mandatory participation would conflict with the religious convictions of Nagaland’s predominantly Christian population, while stressing that it does not oppose patriotic songs or voluntary participation.
BY PC Bureau
September 2, 2026: Nagaland’s Vande Mataram debate gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday as the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) marched to the state Assembly, demanding that the government rule out any compulsory singing or playing of the national song at official programmes.
The NSF’s solidarity march began at Naga Solidarity Park and ended at the Naga Legislative Assembly, where protesters pressed for a formal decision against any form of compulsion.
Participants held placards and shouted slogans such as “Respect our faiths, respect our rights” and “No imposition in our house: NLA must adopt a resolution”, framing the issue as one of religious freedom and the right to individual conscience.
NSF president Mteisuding told the gathering that the federation would stand firm on what it considers the rights of the Naga people and would not accept any directive requiring them to participate in an activity contrary to their religious convictions.
He said the controversy had assumed wider significance because Nagaland is predominantly Christian and urged people across the state to treat the matter as a collective concern rather than an issue involving only the student body.
Mteisuding also sought to draw a distinction between patriotism and compulsion. The NSF, he said, had no objection to national songs or expressions of national pride, but opposed any attempt to make participation obligatory.
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Talking to journalists after the march, he said the federation “outrightly rejects” the singing or playing of “Vande Mataram” as a compulsory component of official functions in Nagaland.
The NSF wants the state government or the NLA to adopt a resolution or enact legislation clearly setting out that position. Mteisuding said representations had already been submitted to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer.
He said the federation would continue its campaign until the issue was formally addressed.
The NSF’s action comes despite the state government’s stated position that there will be no mandatory singing of the song.
Nagaland Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton has said participation in “Vande Mataram” should remain voluntary. According to Patton, nobody would be compelled to sing it, while those who choose to do so would remain free to participate.
The protest meeting was chaired by NSF editor Pithungo Shitio. Menuosielie Üsou, assistant pastor of Koinonia Baptist Church, delivered the invocation.
