SENAPATI: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) expressed its most profound concern and categorical opposition to the recent directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating the compulsory observance and singing of the Indian National Song, Vande Mataram, prior to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during official
ceremonies and within educational institutions.
ANSAM termed such an instruction to formulate and promulgate without due cognisance of the historical and political sensitivities of the Naga people, representing an ill-conceived attempt to impose symbolic conformity upon a society whose identity and historical consciousness are both distinct and deeply rooted.
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The student body stated that the Nagas are not merely a demographic constituency within an administrative arrangement. They are a people with a unique political history, cultural inheritance and collective consciousness which must be approached with wisdom, sensitivity and respect, ANSAM added.
While ANSAM remains fully aware of the constitutional framework of the Indian Union, including the obligations enshrined under Article 51A(a), ANSAM stated that it must be unequivocally emphasised that constitutional provisions cannot be interpreted as instruments of coercion. The compulsion of symbolic observances, particularly within institutions of
learning stated to undermine the very democratic ethos that the Constitution purports to uphold.
The directive suggesting that the academic day in schools commence with the community singing of Vande Mataram, coupled with instructions to “popularise” the National Song and the National Anthem, is deeply disquieting. ANSAM stated that “Educational institutions must remain citadels of intellectual liberty, moral discernment and critical inquiry. They cannot, and must not, be reduced to arenas for the enforcement of symbolic allegiance through administrative decree.”
ANSAM therefore placed on record its firm caution to all administrative authorities, educational boards and institutional heads operating within the Naga areas of Manipur to refrain from implementing any measure that compels the singing or observance of Vande Mataram in contravention of the sentiments and historical realities of the Naga people. Any unilateral attempt to enforce such directives will inevitably be regarded as a disregard for the collective dignity and sovereign rights of the Nagas, the release mentioned.
The Association further directs all constituent units and subordinate units under its jurisdiction to maintain vigilant oversight within their respective institutions and jurisdictions. Instances of coercion, administrative excess or forced compliance must be meticulously documented and brought to the attention of the Association without delay, it mentioned.
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At this delicate juncture, ANSAM calls upon the Government of India and all concerned authorities to exercise political prudence, administrative restraint and statesmanship. Measures that disregard the historical experiences and cultural sensitivities of the Naga people will only erode the fragile architecture of mutual respect and coexistence.
The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur reiterates with utmost clarity that the dignity, identity, political and historical rights of the Naga people are neither matters of administrative convenience nor subjects of symbolic compulsion. These principles remain inviolable and shall be defended with unwavering determination in unison without fear and without reproach.