NPF opposes making the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory

Claims that it is a ‘forceful imposition’ on a Christian-majority State

Kohima (Nagaland) – On 5^th March 2026, the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) registered strong opposition to the mandatory recitation of the patriotic song Vande Mataram in educational institutions and the State Assembly. In a statement, NPF called the Centre’s directive regarding Vande Mataram ‘a direct threat to Naga culture and faith as protected under Article 371(A)’, and said : ‘Forceful imposition of such a song is alien to us, unfriendly, and threatening to fundamental rights…’.

The NPF statement followed a heated debate in the Assembly over the issue. A convocation at a Central university, where Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan was the chief guest, saw some students remaining seated when the song was played.

In January, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a directive notifying protocols for singing Vande Mataram, stating that the full version of the song – lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds – be played before the National Anthem, when both are part of official functions, and the audience stand in attention when it is performed.

NPF argued that since the song has some references to Hindu Goddesses, ‘Forcing citizens to participate in practices that contradict their religious beliefs goes against the spirit of India’s Secular framework’. (The time has come to tell such people that they should move to countries that fit within their own religious framework. – Editor) It urged the Union Government to reconsider any move that compels recitation of the song.

Editor’s Perspective

Swami Vivekananda had said that when Hindus convert, it also leads to a change in their loyalty to the Nation ! India has been witnessing this repeatedly. Now there is a need to take a strict stand to set such converts right.

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