The Naga Students’ Federation on April 17 held a press conference at the NSF Office to address several critical issues in Nagaland.

1. Regularisation of 147 contractual teachers
Reiterating its seriousness on the ongoing issue, Mteisuiding Heraang NSF Vice President, highlighted that the NSF, on April 14, submitted a representation to the State Government addressing the Chief Secretary. The Federation also expressed its firm objection towards the decision taken by Cabinet on 11 September 2024 approving the absorption of Assistant Professors serving on fixed pay under the Department of Higher Education as one time dispensation. NSF further reteiriated that they had also given several representations through statements. It condemned the decision of State government and Department to regularise the 147 contractual Assistant professors on December 17 , 2024 .
Heraang informed that the Minster in charge have assured that the matter is kept in abeyance and will go for further consultation with all stakeholders holders.

Pithungo Shitio, Information and Publicity Secy, mentioned that the NSF met with the Minister incharge after the state cabinet took a decision. “NSF have clearly declared the decision of the federation on two occasions, but in the month of December without the knowledge of anyone, the government took decision of absorption,” stated Shitio.

Shitio further mentioned that, on April 8, NSF held a meeting with the Department, where they demanded immediate revocation.

In regards to pursuance of this issue, the federation assured that the Asst professor absorption should be rolled back and if the state government is adamant, the NSF will initiate its own course of action and will share the same in public domain .

2. School bullying case
Speaking on the recent Don Bosco School assault case which came to light in various platforms after the alleged victim’s father wrote to the Chairman of Kohima Village Council, Chumben Khuvung, General Secretary NSF informed that the Federation visited the DBS institution as well as parents of the alleged victim on April 8, 10 & 14. With the FIR being lodged, the federation urged the law enforcement agencies to investigate and provide justice to victim.

Khuvung also mentioned that the Federation have learnt of the victim undergoing treatment at GNRC Guwahati where his health reportedly deteriorating to an extent where his weight came down from 60 to 40 kg requiring another surgery.

In this regard, the NSF urged school authorities to foster a safe and respectful environment for the students. “It is essential to implement stringent rules and regulations in schools to prevent misunderstanding and bullying in schools,” stated Khuvung.

The NSF Vice President also underscored the need for schools in all Naga inhabited areas to have a proper committee where the student issue can be addressed seriously and urged Schools to set up a proper committee.

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3. NU Physical assault case 2024 and recruitment issue
Shedding light on the Nagaland University professor accused of assaulting a lady colleague, NSF information & Publicity Secy Shitio mentioned that it has called for the termination of Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti.
On February 20, the Federation met with the Vice Chancellor of NU Lumami where it was relayed that many of the victims have already shared what has happened in the past. NSF vehemently condemned the inaction of the Vice Chancellor on these matter. “There has been no action initiated by Vice chancellor and also it has come to light that Professor Chandra is under bail,” the Federation informed.
Opposing online mode of interview for recruitment, NSF demanded that online video conference mode of interview for teaching position and non-teaching positions should not be conducted, questioning the credibility of the recruitment board.

“After COVID-19 pandemic, Nagaland University under the current Vice Chancellor has started virtual mode of recruitment exams for professors and particularly for associate professors. So in this conduct that has been undertaken for the past two three years, NSF have identified that non nagas are being recruited,” claimed the Federation.

Expressing that online recruitment should not be conducted in the highest of profession, the NSF declared that they will not allow the Vice Chancellor to conduct online examination and if the trend continues continues, it will ensure to go to any extend unless demands are fulfilled.

“Whether Naga or non Naga they should come to Nagaland University and give interview,” asserted the Federation

Furthermore, on February 20 when the federation met the Vice chancellor they were given and excuse of financial expenditure incurred in bringing recruitment board individual from other universities outside Nagaland. NSF also added that in the coming days, they will submit another representation.

Shitio cited that there are enough nagas who are qualified and urged for deserving opportunity to who are qualified. “95 percent posts are filled by non-Nagas and only 1-2 lecturers from Naga community are being selected,” he added

4. Reny Wilfred case:

Kenilo Kent, Asst. GS NSF informed that they have received testimonies, and lodged complaints with appropriate authorities regarding the case involving IAS officer Reny Wilfred.

“NSF is appalled that government officials entrusted with public service is still continuing to operate under such allegations,“ said Kent. With the matter under subjudice and investigation underway, the NSF has urged everyone to refrain from creating narratives during the course of investigation.

Kent appealed the public to respect the sentiments as well as privacy of both accused and victims.

Acknowledging the courage of the victims and their trauma, Kent urged individuals to refrain from any unsubstantiated speculations. “When this issue first came to light the federation also met with NSCW on April 2, after due cognizance of incident we also met with DGP on April 4. We took our own time as per procedure and after lengthy deliberation and formality, on April 8 we gave written representation to DGP demanding for speedy, transparent investigation,” Kent highlighted.

On April 15, a written statement was given to the Chief Secretary demanding for immediate suspension of Reny Wilfred from holding any office responsibility. The Federation also opined that there must be full public disclosure on the status of investigation. “The Naga public deserves to know how the government institutions are responding to such things under their watch and the Federation stand resolute with the demands,” asserted the NSF.