NSF to hold rally in Kohima over 'Vande Mataram' directive
Kohima (PTI): The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) is scheduled to hold a public rally here on Monday in protest against the "compulsory imposition" of the national song, 'Vande Mataram', following a recent directive by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the federation, the rally will be held at Old MLA Hostel Junction at Phoolbari from 10 am, during which participants will march to Lok Bhavan.
A memorandum highlighting the concerns and demands of the Naga people will be submitted to the President through the governor, it said.
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The NSF said the protest was prompted by a notification by the MHA on January 28 mandating that the revised national song be sung or played during official functions and in educational institutions.
Expressing concern over the directive, the NSF maintained that while the Naga people respect the national songs and symbols of all nations, the compulsory enforcement of 'Vande Mataram' raises concerns as the song carries religious and devotional imagery that may conflict with the beliefs and conscience of many in the state.
In its note, the federation stated that the Naga homeland has historically been a land of peaceful coexistence where people of different religions and communities have lived together in mutual respect.
It asserted that educational institutions should remain spaces of learning and dignity and should not become platforms where symbolic practices are enforced against the will of students and communities.
The federation has also directed all its units and subordinate bodies across Naga areas to organise peaceful demonstrations in their respective jurisdictions on the same day in solidarity with the Kohima rally.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
