The All Sumi Students Union (SKK) staged it second day of indefinite protest at the Directorate of Technical Education on March 7. The protest has been initiated to expresss resentment against the government over the failure to upgrade the Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu. The SKK had earlier issued an ultimatum to the Nagaland government demanding the immediate upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) to a full-fledged engineering college within a specified timeframe.
A short program was held before the sit-in- protest where short speeches were delivered by NSF President Medovi Rhi, ANCSU President Tenyinsilo Bukh, ASU President David Khriesamhalie, CSU president Pfhulo Sara, Lotha Student Union President Lirhon E. Kithan and SKK President Gihuka Zhimomi.
Medovi Rhi, NSF President, in his speech, stressed that the issue is not only for the Sumis but for all the Nagas as a whole. “How many leaders do we have to approach for a better solution. Our future generations cannot be played. When our neighboring states can have so many institutions, why can’t our state Nagaland have one engineering college?” questioned Rhi.
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Extending solidarity to SKK, ANCSU President Tenyinsilo Bukh expressed displeasure witness the absence of a degree awarding institution particularly engineering college in the state. “The government through cabinet meeting on 17th December 2007 had approved to introduce Civil engineering college at KPA but even after the lapse of 18 years there is no such development. ANCSU, also in the year 2017 and subsequently in the year 2024, 28th May submitted appeal and representation to the state government to immediately upgrade KPA polytechnic to full fledged engineering college,” informed Bukh. He expressed appreciation to the SKK for taking up the issue.
ASU President David Khriesamhalie expressed the Union’s unwavering support towards SKK. “The demand of SKK is the demand of Nagas. We Nagas we have been longing for a full fledged engineering college and we appeal the government to come up with action plans,” stated the President.
Meanwhile, CSU President Pfhulo Sara also highlighted the Government’s failure to upgrade the KPA, which is the oldest polytechnic in Nagaland, into a full fledged engineering college however the government has failed to do its part many times. “Many Naga students have been denied Technical education and are forced to go outside of the state to pursue degree education. This failure of Government have deprived many underprivileged students of their rightful education,” added Sara.
Lotha Student Union President Lirhon E. Kithan also expressed the Union’s unwavering support to the SKK and appealed everyone to stand together and be united for the cause.
Following the program, the initial plan of the Union was to march towards NLA gate however on learning that the issue has been raised at the ongoing Assembly Session they halted their march at NSF office. The SKK express hope that the matter will be resolved with urgency.
