The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has announced a statewide “Black Friday” protest on June 19 after its 20-day ultimatum to the state government regarding the construction of the 100-bedded Girls’ Hostel at Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma, expired without a written approval from the government.
Addressing a press conference at the ANCSU office, ANCSU Assistant General Secretary, Imnawapang Longkumer said the Union had received information from the department that the funds earmarked for the hostel project would not lapse and would instead be utilized for the construction. He described this assurance as a significant victory for the student community.
However, Longkumer said the project has now been stalled by what he termed a “bureaucratic bottleneck,” explaining that while the department is prepared to proceed, it requires a written directive and approval from the Office of the Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio.
According to him, the department has sought one more week from ANCSU to secure the necessary approval.
Expressing frustration over the delay, Longkumer questioned why Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio had not yet issued the required approval despite repeated appeals. He alleged that the delay had raised concerns within the student body and demanded greater transparency from the government.
With no written resolution received after the expiry of the ultimatum, ANCSU officially called upon all its affiliated colleges across Nagaland to observe “Black Friday” on June 19 by hoisting black flags on their campuses.
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Defending the choice of the protest’s name, Longkumer said the black colour symbolized the “death of the rights and dignity of Naga students.” He said students were being forced to leave their classrooms and take to the streets to demand what he described as their basic rights, adding that the delay in implementing a vital student welfare project undermined the government’s promises of development.
He warned that if the written approval is not placed before ANCSU, the Union would intensify its agitation through a united students’ movement across the state. He further stated that ANCSU had already demonstrated patience by granting a 20-day grace period to the department and would no longer accept verbal assurances or further delays.
ANCSU General Secretary, Sotiho Tep said the issue extends beyond the construction of a hostel, describing it as a matter concerning the future of students and the dignity of education in Nagaland.
“When education is delayed, dreams are delayed. When girls are neglected, society is weakened. When students are united, change becomes inevitable,” Tep said.
He reiterated that ANCSU’s demands remain transparent, accountable and for the protection of students’ interests. Tep added that colleges across the state would hoist black flags during Friday’s protest and cautioned that if the government continues to delay the project, the student community would escalate its agitation by taking to the streets.
The Union maintained that it would continue its movement until the government issues the required written approval and ensures the commencement of the 100-bedded Girls’ Hostel project at Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma.
