The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing Pen-Down/Tools-Down Strike called by Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on IAS induction, stating that the agitation has severely disrupted the functioning of public offices and caused undue hardship to the general public across various sectors.
In a statement issued by its Media Cell, the Federation said that while it acknowledges the right of government employees to voice their grievances, such actions must be exercised within the framework of law and service conduct. “Public servants, as custodians of public trust, have a duty to ensure that citizens do not suffer disruption in availing essential public services, regardless of the reasons for which the strike has been called,” ENSF stated.
The Federation asserted that the welfare of the people should never be compromised or held hostage due to internal administrative issues. “It is equally important to uphold the core principles of public administration — continuity of governance, adherence to lawful authority, and the obligation to serve citizens without interruption,” it added.
ENSF maintained that resorting to work cessation through pen-down or tools-down strikes runs contrary to these principles and directly impacts the delivery of essential public services, causing inconvenience and distress to the public.
Reaffirming its confidence in the Government’s decision-making process, the Federation said it believes that every administrative decision is taken after due deliberation, consultation, and consideration of relevant service rules, policy implications, and the larger public interest. “The Government, being the mandated authority, is duty-bound to act in accordance with established procedures and due process,” the statement said.
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The Federation further urged employees to pursue any grievances or dissatisfactions through institutional mechanisms available within the service framework — such as formal representations, consultations, and dialogue — instead of resorting to measures that disrupt administrative functioning and public service delivery.
“Constructive engagement within the bounds of law and service conduct remains the most responsible and effective means to address differences and safeguard collective interests,” the ENSF emphasized.
In view of the severe impact on citizen welfare and in the interest of public service and administrative continuity, the Federation earnestly appealed to all concerned employees in the eastern region to immediately withdraw from the ongoing strike and resume normal duties to restore full office functioning and ensure uninterrupted service delivery to the people.
