The 2016 batch Nagaland RMSA Teachers’ Association (NRMSATA-2016) has announced to launch an indefinite sit-in protest at the Directorate of School Education (DoSE) Kohima from September 8 to register its dismay at the continued silence and inaction of the state government in addressing their legally resolved issue concerning their service benefits and rightful dues adjudged by the Supreme Court of India.

In a statement on Sunday, the association stated that its 367 member teachers will participate in the peaceful demonstration and will continue until their demands are acknowledged and addressed by the concerned authorities.

“We have been brought into this junction having exhausted all democratic and peaceful avenues. An indefinite sit-in-protest is now our only path to seek accountability, justice and fair redressal of our grievances,” the statement said.

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The association maintained that the state government’s refusal to implement its following demands constitutes not only a violation of legal mandates but also a grave affront to justice and human dignity: recognition of salary and service benefits from our original date of appointment in 2016; implementation of the ROP 2017 pay scale, including annual increments, at par with their counterparts—SSA–RMSA 2010–13 teachers; enforcement of Office Memorandum No. AR-3/GEN-231/2011 dated 29 March 2017.

The NRMSATA-2016 teachers have requested solidarity from civil society, student unions, workers association and general public as they assert their constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The association assured that the sit-in protest will adhere to the principles of non-violence, peaceful assembly and lawful conduct and as per the directives served by the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima.