Nagaland: Protest over mandatory Vande Mataram singing enters second day, govt urges NSF to withdraw
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
Kohima, Sept 3 The Naga Students' Federation's 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.
Adding to this, Nagaland: Protest over mandatory Vande Mataram singing enters second day, govt urges NSF to withdraw 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.
Meanwhile, Raising the matter in the assembly, NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon, a former NSF president, shared the agitation was not confined to any particular constituency but concerned the state as a whole.
Notably, He shared the row centred on the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram and had already generated extensive debate in the House.
As per the latest buzz, Kikon shared 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.
In further updates, Kikon shared an order issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on January 28 directed states to ensure the compulsory singing of Vande Mataram during the arrival of important VVIPs at national functions, including the governor's arrival at the assembly.
On top of that, The matter was subsequently referred to a committee constituted to examine the applicability in Nagaland of laws passed by Parliament in the context of Article 371A of the Constitution, he shared.
The committee, headed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister K G Kenye, has been examining the issue and was expected to submit its report during the ongoing session.
Source: Hindustan Times