In a rare joint move, six major Government service associations in Nagaland have announced a symbolic black ribbon protest beginning September 25, 2025, to express strong resentment over the State Government’s decision to proceed with the Screening of Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) officers for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) without restoring the Advertisement Circular dated March 10, 2025.
In a joint statement, the Core Committee and Action Committee, along with the Confederation of Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA), Forum of Nagaland State Engineers Service Association (FONSESA), Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association (NF&FSA), Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) and Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) said that despite multiple representations to the government, the decision to convene the screening on September 25 “without addressing fundamental concerns” reflects the government’s “utter disdain” for merit-based recruitment.
The associations accused the State Government of attempting to circumvent merit and open avenues for officers without a legally tenable mode of recruitment into the IAS, warning that such a move “sets a dangerous and treacherous path” for governance and public service in Nagaland.
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As a first phase of peaceful resentment, all members of the participating associations have been directed to compulsorily wear black ribbons or badges during office hours in the State Capital, Kohima.
The statement clarified that the protest will remain symbolic and non-disruptive, with members instructed to maintain official protocol, discipline, and regular attendance, befitting “model government employees.”
The associations also extended an open invitation to members of unaffiliated associations and government offices to join the show of solidarity.
While reiterating their commitment to a peaceful and disciplined demonstration, the associations cautioned that future courses of action will depend on the government’s response and will be announced by the Core Committee and Action Committee in due course.
