Wande Order: Riots intensify in Meghalaya, Nagaland

Dimapur/Shillong: Opposition to the Union Home Ministry’s directive to sing the full six-verse version of “Vande Mataram” has intensified in the Christian-majority states of Nagaland and Meghalaya, triggering student protests, political opposition and appeals to state governments.Several students and research scholars of Nagaland University boycotted the singing of the national anthem during the eighth rally on Friday. Videos on social media showed many people sitting and listening to Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of the ceremony, which was attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan.The Naga Students Federation, CM Neiphiu Rio’s Naga People’s Front and church groups objected to the Home Ministry’s directive to sing or play Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official functions and educational institutions, asking attendees to stand at attention. NSF said the directive ignored Naga cultural sensitivities, religious beliefs and constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A).Meghalaya has also encountered resistance. Vox MP Adelbert Nonrum submitted a petition to the chief secretary protesting against the directive.