Mokokchung, 18th June 2026 (Nokinketer News): The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) has strongly objected to a circular issued by the Directorate of School Education, Government of Nagaland, directing all government and private educational institutions in the state to observe International Yoga Day on June 21, 2026.

In a press statement issued from OKM, President Tongpangmangyang Kichu and General Secretary Sungkumjang Kichu expressed worry about Circular No. ED/PE-YOGA/2022/29, saying that the planned event is on a Sunday, which is a holy day for the mostly Christian people of Nagaland, meant for worship, rest, and family time.

The organization said that requiring active participation of students and teachers in official programs on a Sunday hurts the religious sentiments of the Christian community and is incompatible with their faith and traditions.

OKM also extended its support to the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) and its open letter dated June 17, 2026, which called upon the department to withdraw the circular and avoid issuing directives that undermine the sanctity of Sunday.

Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the circular, OKM warned that failure to address the issue could erode public trust in the administration and lead to public resentment and democratic protests.

The student body further stated that it would continue to defend the religious liberties of the people and uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion. Emphasizing the principles of secularism, OKM said the state should respect the religious beliefs and practices of its people.

The OKM also appealed to parents, students, institutional heads, and the public to refrain from participating in the scheduled International Yoga Day celebration on Sunday.

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