The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday called off the first phase of its democratic agitation after the State Cabinet revoked the regularisation of 147 contractual Assistant Professors and Librarians under the Higher Education Department.
After the expiry of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the government on April 21, the NSF had launched its agitation on April 29. On the second day of their protest, Federation locked the gates of the Directorate of Higher Education in Kohima preventing entry of department officials.
Addressing a press conference at the NSF office , NSF Vice President Teisuding expressed gratitude to the state government for positively responding to the federation’s long-standing demand. He clarified that although NSF had remained silent on social media regarding the issue, it had been actively and sensitively pursuing the matter for over six months.
“NSF always stands for meritocracy, fairness, and justice. We want to state clearly that while we may not always speak loudly, we act with conviction,” Teisuding said.
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He reminded that the NSF had submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary on April 14, followed by an ultimatum addressed to the Minister in-charge of Higher Education on April 21. With no positive response by April 29, the federation said it was compelled to take its resentment to the streets. Teisuding clarified the allegations over social media directed at the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), one of NSF’s federating units. He clarified that all units of the federation, including ASU, had participated in the agitation in solidarity. “The agitation was a collective effort of the entire NSF and its federating units,” he stated.
Teisuding also urged the public to continue placing trust in the Federation. “We will never shy away from any issue of injustice in society,” he assured.
Pithungo Shitio, NSF Information and Publicity Secretary while addressing the press, thanked all volunteers, federating units, and subordinate bodies for their cooperation and discipline during the agitation.
