Dimapur — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday condemned Nagaland BJP legislator and minister Temjen Imna Along for publicly supporting the recitation of Vande Mataram in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, saying his stance risks undermining Naga identity, faith and rights. The federation said it was “deeply regrettable” that Along continues to justify and normalise the imposition of the Indian national song in state institutions despite the NSF’s earlier opposition on February 20.
The NSF warned that normalising Vande Mataram “risks undoing what generations of Nagas have sacrificed so much to defend the preservation of our identity, our faith, and our rights.” It said no individual or political representative has a mandate to dilute or compromise the hard‑earned rights of the Naga people.
The students’ body recalled its categorical objection to instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs that mandate playing or singing Vande Mataram before the national anthem Jana Gana Mana at certain high‑level official functions and that seek to extend such directives to educational institutions. The NSF argued the song carries “strong and undeniable religious connotations rooted in the worship of Hindu deities,” and that portraying it as purely secular ignores legitimate concerns of communities whose faith and cultural identity do not align with the song’s imagery.
Citing constitutional safeguards, the federation said any effort to institutionalise the recitation of Vande Mataram in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly or other public institutions would violate the spirit and protections under Article 371(A), which preserves the unique religious and social practices of the Naga people. The NSF described Along’s public defence of the song as “extremely unfortunate” and suggested he appears more intent on pleasing political bosses in Delhi than on safeguarding local rights and sensitivities.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/nagaland/nagaland-nsf-condemns-minister-temjen-imna-along-over-vande-mataram-remarks-in-assembly.html
Category: Nagaland,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2026-03-05 23:24:00
