Ukhrul, Mar 20: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has vehemently condemned the ‘ongoing workshops organized under the aegis of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) in various educational institutions across Kohima and Dimapur’.
In a press note, the NSF stated that it stands firm against such programs, which seek to impose alien cultural and religious practices and have no place in the Naga homeland.
“It is unacceptable that under the guise of “enriching formal education, external forces are subtly attempting to dilute our indigenous identity and impose a cultural assimilation agenda. The Naga people have a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and we will not tolerate any attempt to infringe upon our way of life, traditions, and beliefs. Any effort to introduce religious or cultural elements that do not align with our Indigenous ethos is an outright violation of our rights as a people,” the NSF said.
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Furthermore, the NSF asserted that such workshops are a waste of valuable academic time, depriving students of meaningful education and their right to a curriculum that prioritizes their intellectual and Personal growth. “With the already limited academic calendar and various challenges faced by students, it is irresponsible to force programs that neither contribute to their academic advancement nor uphold the indigenous ethos of the Naga people,” it added.
Moreover, the Naga student body took strong exception ‘to the guidelines imposed for these workshops, which dictate specific ceremonial practices, mandatory seating arrangements, and symbolic gestures that are contrary to our customs and beliefs’.
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“The enforced removal of footwear before entering the hall, the requirement for a ministry logo, and the regulated felicitation of artists reflect an imposition of foreign cultural norms upon our educational institutions. Such directives undermine the fundamental principles of cultural respect,” it remarked.
The NSF then urged all school administrations, students, and parents to remain vigilant against such imposed cultural and religious programs that do not align with our Naga heritage. Also, it demanded all SPIC MACAY workshops in Naga institutions halt immediately halted and no such programs be conducted in the future without prior consultation with relevant Naga stakeholders.
Reassuring its commitment to defending the identity, rights, and future of Naga students, the student body warned of taking appropriate measures, including democratic protests, if their demands are ignored.
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