Naga Students' Federation Protests Against Vande Mataram in Nagaland

The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) staged a protest in Kohima, urging the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to prohibit the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official and private events. This demonstration precedes the 150th anniversary celebrations of the song, with the NSF emphasizing their Christian identity and the need to protect their cultural rights. The federation has reached out to state leaders to address this issue, asserting that their protest is not meant to disrespect any national symbols but to uphold their faith and community values. The NSF firmly opposes any imposition of Vande Mataram on the Naga people.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 2, 2026, 10:56 IST

Demonstration in Kohima

NSF members holding a demonstration in Kohima on Tuesday

Dimapur, Sept 2: On Tuesday, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) organized a protest in Kohima, urging the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to enact a Bill or resolution prohibiting the singing or playing of the revised Vande Mataram at both official and private events within the state.

This demonstration is timed ahead of the upcoming September 25 celebrations, which will mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, with the central government planning festivities for the occasion.

The NSF gathered at Naga Solidarity Park before proceeding to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session on the same day.

During the rally, NSF president Mteisuding called on lawmakers to adopt a resolution against the performance of Vande Mataram at any official or private functions in the state, emphasizing their identity as 'first a Christian, then a politician.'

He mentioned that the federation had reached out to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, requesting that this matter be included in their agenda for discussion.

Mteisuding also encouraged the Naga community to engage with this issue, clarifying that the NSF's protest was not aimed at disrespecting any nation or its national anthem.

He firmly stated that the federation would not compromise the rights of the Naga people, asserting that this matter poses a challenge to their faith.

According to Mteisuding, the Naga people have embraced Christianity as their faith and cannot compromise on it. He reiterated that the NSF opposes the singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official events and any efforts to impose it on students or the broader community.