Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Nagaland Vande Mataram Protest Enters Second Day Amid Legal Review
The Naga Students’ Federation is protesting a rule about Vande Mataram in Nagaland.
The protest took place outside the state Assembly in Kohima for a second day.
The students say singing or playing the song should not be compulsory at official events.
During the protest, they sang Christian hymns.
The government asked them to stop while a committee studies the legal questions.
The committee is considering Article 371A, which concerns Nagaland’s special constitutional provisions.
The NSF temporarily paused its first demonstration but still wants the Assembly to pass a resolution against compulsory singing.
It said the protest could become stronger if the Assembly does not act.
The Naga Students’ Federation continued its protest outside the Nagaland Assembly in Kohima for a second day.
The NSF opposes compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram at government programmes and official functions.
The state government urged the NSF to withdraw while a committee examines the issue under Article 371A.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister K G Kenye said presidential assent had changed the matter from an executive directive into law.
The NSF paused its first-phase Assembly demonstration but warned of intensified agitation without an Assembly resolution opposing compulsory singing.
- Who
- The Naga Students’ Federation, the Nagaland government, state legislators, Parliamentary Affairs Minister K G Kenye, and Lok Sabha member S Supongmeren Jamir.
- What
- A protest against compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram at government programmes and official functions.
- When
- Thursday, September 3, when the protest entered its second day; the Home Ministry instruction was issued on January 28, 2026.
- Where
- Outside the Nagaland Assembly in Kohima, Nagaland.
- Why
- The NSF seeks a Nagaland Assembly resolution opposing compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram, while the government is examining the requirement’s legal applicability.
Government and Legal Review
Student Federation Opposition
Whether the agitation should end
Government and Legal Review
The government urged the NSF to withdraw, saying the concerns would be addressed through the appropriate forum and the committee’s report.
Student Federation Opposition
The NSF said it would pursue democratic agitation unless the Nagaland Assembly adopted a resolution opposing compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram.
Legal status of the requirement
Government and Legal Review
The committee said presidential assent to the 2026 legislation changed the matter from an executive directive into law and required further examination after Gazette publication.
Student Federation Opposition
The NSF continues to oppose making Vande Mataram compulsory and says the Assembly should provide a clear safeguard against the requirement.
Next steps for the protest
Government and Legal Review
The government requested additional time for the committee to complete its report, which led the NSF to keep its first-phase Assembly demonstration in abeyance.
Student Federation Opposition
The NSF directed educational institutions and affiliated bodies not to invite or include the governor or government officials at programmes involving Vande Mataram, and warned of intensified action if its demand is unmet.
- Protesting organization
- Naga Students’ Federation
- Location
- Outside the Nagaland Assembly, Kohima
- Main demand
- A strong Assembly resolution against compulsory singing or playing of Vande Mataram at official functions
- Government appeal
- The government urged the NSF to call off its agitation and allow the issue to be addressed through the appropriate forum
- Review committee
- A committee headed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister K G Kenye is examining the matter
- Legal framework
- The committee is considering Article 371A and other constitutional provisions
- Related legislation
- The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026