Kohima: A council of churches in Nagaland has reportedly said it would oppose any directive or practice that seeks to make the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory. They will oppose any such move, particularly if targeted toward those belonging to the Christian community. The churches have asserted that “patriotism must never be reduced to compulsory conformity”.
Nagaland Baptist Church Council general secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener and secretary for social concern Dr Villo Naleo on Thursday said, as cited in a HT report, that it fully respects India’s national symbols and patriotic sentiments, besides constitutional values.
They, however, maintained that the matters involving faith, religious conviction, conscience and identity need sensitivity and respect.
It stated that India’s constitutional framework was founded on liberty, equality, pluralism and freedom of conscience. They argued that national unity should not be equated with uniformity.
The council urged all its stakeholders to remain peaceful.
