Kohima, September 2: A peaceful demonstration against the alleged imposition of the revised version of Vande Mataram was held at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, on Tuesday morning, followed by a solidarity march towards the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
The programme began at around 7:30 a.m., with students and leaders gathering under the theme, “No Compulsion! Respect Our Faith, Respect Our Rights!” and “Freedom of Conscience is Our Right.”
The protesters later marched towards the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, where students and leaders stood outside the Assembly premises and voiced their opposition to what they described as the imposition of Vande Mataram.
Speaking to the media, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) President Mteisuding said the matter had now become an issue concerning the faith and conscience of the people. He maintained that the community would not adopt anything that goes against or affects their faith.
The demonstration remained focused on the demand that individuals should not be compelled to participate in or adopt practices that conflict with their religious beliefs and freedom of conscience.
The protesters reiterated their appeal for respect for faith, individual rights and freedom of conscience, while calling for dialogue and understanding on the issue.
The solidarity march concluded outside the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, where the students and leaders continued to register their protest peacefully.
