The NSF has directed educational institutions across the Naga homeland not to invite government functionaries to programmes involving the singing or playing of Vande Mataram until further directions
Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has directed educational institutions and its affiliated bodies across the Naga homeland not to invite government functionaries, including the Governor of Nagaland, to programmes involving the singing or playing of Vande Mataram.
The directive comes as the student body continues to oppose the compulsory playing of the revised national song at government programmes and official functions. The NSF has asked its federating units and subordinate bodies to communicate the directive and ensure strict compliance.
The federation continued its protest outside the Nagaland Assembly in Kohima for the second consecutive day on Thursday, staging what it described as a “singing revolution” against the proposed imposition of Vande Mataram.
NSF president Mteisuding expressed disappointment over what he described as government inaction on the first day of the Assembly session and appealed to the public to unite in defending their rights and faith.
Later, the NSF said its first phase of peaceful demonstrations during the two-day Assembly session had been kept in abeyance following a communiqué from Parliamentary Affairs Minister and the chairperson of the committee examining the applicability of laws passed by Parliament.
The committee sought additional time to submit its report and assured that the collective views and sentiments of the Naga people would be considered.
The NSF has demanded that the Assembly adopt a strong resolution against the mandatory singing of the revised Vande Mataram, warning that failure to do so would lead to an intensified democratic agitation.
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