Vande mandate: Stir intensifies in Nagaland, Meghalaya | India News
Dimapur/Shillong: Opposition to the Union Home Ministry’s directive to sing the full six-level version of the Vande Mataram has intensified in Christian-majority Nagaland and Meghalaya, sparking student protests, political objections and petitions to state governments.Several students and research scholars of Nagaland University boycotted the singing of the national anthem at the eighth convocation on Friday. In videos on social media, many people were seen sitting as the Vande Mataram was played at the beginning and end of the program attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan.The Naga Students’ Federation, CM Niphiu Rio’s Naga People’s Front and church groups have opposed the MHA’s directive to make it mandatory to sing or play the Bande Matram before the national anthem at government functions and educational institutions, requiring attendees to pay attention. The NSF said the directive ignores Naga cultural sensitivities, religious beliefs and constitutional protections under Article 371(A).Meghalaya also saw pushback. Voice of People Party MLA Adelbert Nongram submitted a petition to the chief secretary protesting the order.
