India, Aug. 14 -- A council of churches in Nagaland said it would oppose any directive or practice that seeks to make the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, particularly for those belonging to the Christian community, asserting that "patriotism must never be reduced to compulsory conformity".

In a statement, Nagaland Baptist Church Council general secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener and secretary for social concern Dr Villo Naleo on Thursday said it fully respects India's national symbols, patriotic sentiments and constitutional values.

However, it maintained that matters involving faith, religious conviction, conscience and identity require sensitivity and respect.

The church body said India's constitutional framework is founded on libe...