The All Nagaland Adhoc Teachers’ Group (ANATG), 2015 batch, continued its sit-in protest for the ninth consecutive day, reiterating that the agitation will not be called off unless the government announces a specific date for regularization.

Addressing the media on Friday, Bendangtemsu Ozukum , Member of the Core Committee, said the on February 12 evening around 8:30 pm, ANATG received a letter through All Nagaland Student Teachers Association (ANSTA ) from the Directorate of School Education, outlining six points. One of the key assurances stated that the “legitimate demands of ANATG are under active consideration” and that “various high-level meetings have been convened with concerned authorities to address the issue in a bound and constructive manner.”

However, he stressed that during a general meeting held at the Directorate of School Education, members unanimously resolved that the peaceful sit-in protest would only be discontinued if and when the government announces a concrete regularization date. “Until such a date is declared, the members gathered here will not disperse,” he asserted.

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Ozukum mentioned that following receipt of the letter, the ongoing indefinite hunger strike, which began on February 11 due to lack of response from the government, was put on hold on February 12. Volunteers on hunger strike have since been administered water, fruit drinks and necessary supplements.

Ozukum also disclosed that one volunteer developed gastric complications on Friday afternoon and was taken to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) for treatment. The volunteer is reported to be recovering.

Ozukum also welcomed recent statements by the Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio and Advisor for School Education, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome who acknowledged that adhoc teachers have not been forgotten and that the regularization process is underway. However, he expressed disappointment that the issue was not resolved earlier, stating that prolonged inaction led to the current situation where teachers from all districts of Nagaland have been compelled to remain in Kohima .

Ozukum also called upon all members to regroup in full strength on Monday, noting that the current presence of 400–500 members cannot represent the collective strength of all 1,166 teachers. He recalled similar agitations in 2018 and 2022, emphasizing the unity shown by the group during past movements.

Addressing concerns over students’ board examinations, he clarified that teachers handling Class 10 have been directed to return to their schools and resume duties, a directive that has been complied with. He added that many protesting teachers are parents of students appearing for Classes 10 and 12, yet continue to participate in the agitation.

Highlighting years of service, Ozukum stated that some members have served over 30 years on an adhoc basis, while even the youngest have completed 14 years of service by 2026. “We believe we are the longest-serving adhoc teachers among all batches. Our years of service have passed without benefits, and this time cannot be regained,” he said, urging the government to address their long-pending demand at the earliest.

Ozukum also expressed that it holds no grievances against the Directorate of School Education, acknowledging it as a parent institution that has completed all required formalities. He said that Permission is being sought for Monday’s sit-in protest at the Directorate itself, with the group reaffirming its resolve to continue the agitation until a satisfactory and time-bound decision is announced.