Kohima, August 14: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has directed all its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure that schools and educational institutions under their respective jurisdictions do not send students to participate in India’s Independence Day Programme 2026 until the order mandating the playing or singing of the revised national song, Vande Mataram, during official functions is revoked.
The directive was issued through a notification dated August 12, 2026, from the NSF headquarters at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima.
The Federation clarified that the Naga people have no objection to the celebration of India’s Independence Day or to showing due respect to the National Flag, National Anthem and other national symbols.
It said its concern is specifically over the compulsory participation of students in Vande Mataram, particularly where what it described as devotional and religious imagery may conflict with the conscience and sincerely held beliefs of students from non-Hindu communities.
The NSF stated that India, as a secular democratic republic, guarantees freedom of conscience and religion under the Constitution and maintained that no student should be compelled to participate in a religiously sensitive expression contrary to his or her sincerely held beliefs.
The Federation also said the Naga homeland has historically upheld peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious tolerance, adding that the religious conscience of every student should be respected.
The NSF referred to its earlier objection to a Ministry of Home Affairs communication dated January 28, 2026, concerning the playing, singing and popularisation of Vande Mataram. It also invoked constitutional safeguards under Article 371A, particularly in relation to the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
All federating units and subordinate bodies have been asked to communicate the Federation’s position to schools and institutions in their respective areas and to ensure that no student faces disciplinary action, discrimination, intimidation or academic consequences for declining to participate in Vande Mataram on grounds of conscience or religious belief.
The NSF said it would pursue the matter peacefully and democratically while safeguarding the identity, rights, beliefs and conscience of students, youth and the Naga people.
