Naga Student Federations protest over Vande Mataram enters Day 2

The Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) protest outside the assembly against the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram entered its second day on Thursday, as the issue was raised during Zero Hour in the House.

The NSF members sang hymns such as “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder”, “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”, as they protested the Centre’s decision.

Raising the matter in the assembly, NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon, a former NSF president, said



the agitation was not confined to any particular constituency but concerned the state as a whole.

He said the controversy centred on the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram and had already generated extensive debate in the House.

Kikon said the state government, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, had taken serious note of the sentiments expressed by legislators across tribal and political affiliations, as well as views of the Church, civil society organisations, tribal bodies and the NSF.