KOHIMA: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) expressed its strong resentment at the “imposition of reciting” Vande Mataram, particularly in educational institutions as mandatory, including the State Assembly, citing it as a threat to “Nagaland’s Christian majority faith and culture”.
“Forceful imposition of such a song is alien to us, unfriendly, and threatens the very ethos of very fundamental rights and duties guaranteed under the constitution of India”, the NPF said in a statement. Further, the party also said it is also a direct threat to the Naga culture and faith as protected under Article 371 (A), which safeguards Nagaland’s religious and customary practices, asserting that mandatory recitation of Vande Mataram is incompatible with the state’s conscience.
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The NPF then said, “The song’s references to Hindu goddesses contradicting monotheistic beliefs and the preaching of Christ”.
Therefore, the NPF urged the Government of India to reconsider and respect India’s secular status and address this issue urgently, ensuring no community is forced to compromise on their faith.
In light of this, the NPF has extended an invitation to all like-minded parties and individuals to join hands in promoting Nagaland’s unique identity, culture, and faith. “It is imperative that we come together to withstand these impositions”, it also said.
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The NPF then said it “believes that by coming together, we can achieve more and create a stronger voice for our state and its people”.
Reiterating the party’s last COB, CEC and General Convention resolutions, the party once again called upon “old comrades” and other like-minded regional parties to join the NPF and work collectively towards building a brighter future for Nagaland.