A mass rally was organised by the Naga Students’ Federation against the imposition of Vande Mataram at Old MLA Hostel junction in Kohima on March 16. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 16
Several speakers at the mass rally organised by the Naga Students’ Federation against the imposition of Vande Mataram strongly criticised the imposition describing it as an act that hurts the sentiments and beliefs of the people. The rally was held at Old MLA Hostel junction, Kohima on March 16.
Describing this imposition violation of the very spirit of secularism, Secretary General NPMHR, Neingulo Krome said this is nothing short of an ‘invasion into our hearts and very soul’ and calls to fight back, lest live in humiliation.
Outrightly rejecting the directive, Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, Vice President, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum said, “Nagaland as a Christian dominant state cannot compromise its religious ideology by adhering to the directive.”
While impressing upon the Government of India to respect the rights of religious minorities who have equally contributed to the social fabric of the nation, he reminded that the citizens of the state shall not fall prey to any anti-Christian factors. He also appealed to respect the religious sentiments of the Nagas by reconsidering the order ensuring the religious freedom of every citizens.
“There are things where it is best to remain silent and Vande Mataram is one of such because it submits allegiance to a deity which is contrary to our Christian faith and beliefs. It must be known that the National Anthem is enough to unify the country into one and nothing should come before or after that,” maintained Rev Phesao.
Stating that it is not opposed to the patriotic song, he however, asserted that it will not, as a Christian majority society allow its children to chant something which defies their faith and allegiance to the Almighty.
Affirming that NJCF will stand guard against those intentions and policies of the day, Rev Phesao reiterated, “when it is forced upon us, we will take our stand.” He also appreciated those Legislators who strongly defended ‘our’ faith in the assembly.
Describing the song Vande Madaram as a Hindu religious song praising their deities, god and goddesses, Rev Vangpong Phom Advisor Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC) said, “as a Christians, we cannot take part in singing such song.”
Stating that Nagas today are entangled into many traps and snares and are threatened and intimidated by many schemes and devices to pull down ‘our’ very existence, he emphasized on the need for Nagas to learn from all this and stand together to safeguard ‘our’ rights and freedom.
Reminding that ‘our’ ancestors had never bow down to their enemy and never gave up but had withstood and fight until the victory is won, Rev Phom has called the Nagas to come together in one voice to enemy to safeguard our rights and freedom from the enemy.
Catholic Association of Nagaland President Jonas Yanthan termed the imposition as “reprehensible” hidden agenda of Hindunisation of India said it cannot accept the Vande Mataram which has a narrow religious connotation and with no constitutional validation either.
“We term this notification not only as a defiance to the spirit of the constitution of India through its narrow political gimmick but also an insult to the Constitution of India itself that embraces the reality of a Nation that is made up of various races, creed, languages, religious beliefs and regions through the conscientious declaration that India will be and shall be a democratic and secular Nation,” Yanthan stated.
He reminded that India is great not because of Hinduism or Hindustan but rather by the vibrancy and diversity of its diverse citizens and opined that the destiny of a nation can be uncertain where anything can turn up for a wrong reason which, often, are self-destructive that leads to ultimate fall of a nation.
Yanthan expressed apprehension that a disturbance or a disruption to the long cherished secular values enshrined in the constitution of India, as a principle in the governance of its federating States and regions, will only trigger the most unlikely manifestation of disintegration of the country itself.
