NSF Rallies in Kohima Against Centre's 'Vande Mataram' Directive

• Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) led thousands in Kohima against Centre's 'Vande Mataram' directive for official functions and educational institutions.
• Protesters submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, citing the directive as an "assault to secularism" and a "direct attack on faith."
• NSF argues Vande Mataram's religious connotations conflict with Naga people's cultural and religious sensitivities, especially its revised version with deity worship imagery.
• The federation emphasized educational institutions should foster intellectual freedom, not ideological uniformity, referencing international human rights frameworks.
• NSF president Mteisuding Heraang stated the protest defends Naga identity and beliefs against imposed symbolic practices, urging dialogue and withdrawal of the directive.