‘Vande Mataram’ conflicts with Naga faith, says NSF

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 14

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has reiterated its opposition to the singing of “Vande Mataram”, saying its objection is rooted in what it described as a conflict with Naga faith and beliefs.

Speaking on the sidelines of a programme in Kohima, NSF president Mteisuding said the federation was not opposed to national songs or symbols of any country. However, he said the NSF had decided to object to and boycott “Vande Mataram” following the recent revision made by the Government of India.

“We are not against any national song of any nation or against any symbols. Our objection is because it contradicts our faith and our belief,” he said.

In view of this, the NSF has notified student communities not to participate in Independence Day programmes on August 15.

The NSF president also reiterated the federation’s position on the participation of non-Nagas in Naga organisations, saying the federation would convey a clear message to Naga groups on the issue.

He urged organisations having non-Naga members in positions of responsibility to review the matter and, where necessary, ask them to step down.

Asked about the extent of the issue, Mteisuding said the NSF did not currently have exact figures covering all organisations. However, he asserted that the federation would continue to engage with Naga groups and make its position clear.

On the growing number of Naga political groups, he said the Nagas had “one destination and one goal” and that all political groups should set aside their differences and work together for a common cause.

Asked whether the NSF was taking any initiative to bring fragmented Naga political groups together, he said the federation had historically played a role in championing the Naga political movement and would continue to raise its voice whenever developments were seen as detrimental to the larger cause.

He said the NSF would issue a clear call to all Naga political groups to come together as one entity, stressing that unity remained essential to finding a lasting solution to the Naga political issue.

“The Nagas have only one destination and one goal,” he said, urging the various political groups to put aside their differences and work collectively towards that common objective.