Kohima: The federation of Christian churches in Nagaland has objected to any directive that makes singing or playing the national song “Vande Mataram” compulsory, calling such compulsion unacceptable.
The protest comes after the Centre, in February, issued an order stating that “Vande Mataram” must be played before the national anthem at government and school functions, marking 150 years since the song was composed.
The report also notes that a Bill providing for up to three years’ imprisonment for those who insult the song has been passed in Parliament.
In a statement issued by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s general secretary and other office-bearers, the federation said it respects national symbols, patriotic sentiments and the Constitution, but cannot accept patriotism being enforced.
The statement added that India’s constitutional framework is rooted in freedom, equality and diversity, and that national unity should not be equated with uniformity. It urged government and public institutions to act with restraint and sensitivity, arguing that expressions of patriotism cannot be used to measure a citizen’s love for the country.
