The standoff between the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN), Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), and the department of Higher Education entered its second day on Thursday, with protestors continuing their sit-in at the directorate’s office in Kohima.
The aspirants, holding placards and shouting slogans such as “Cowards bow to corruption” and “Backdoor appointment nahin chalega,” demanded that recent appointments be revoked and the posts requisitioned to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC).
From as early as 9 a.m., protestors gathered outside the directorate, with tensions escalating by afternoon when employees tried to leave for the day.
Protestors expressed anger over police presence, questioning the need for deployment and accusing the department of evading accountability. “It has been two days, and no one has addressed our concerns,” lamented one protestor. “At least they should have come out to talk to us.”
Protestors reiterated they were not opposed to the December 17 advertisement but insisted that appointments must be made through NPSC to ensure transparency and fairness. “We are here to seek justice and our rights,” they asserted, emphasizing that they were prepared to undergo any competitive examination.
The district administration assured protestors of their right to peaceful demonstration while stating that the department must also function without obstruction. The aspirants clarified they did not intend harm, only that their grievances be heard.
Later, a joint director addressed the protestors, stating that while the department understood their demands, it lacked the authority to act, and the matter had been forwarded to the state government.
The aspirants, however, rejected this verbal assurance, demanding official documentation. “If we cannot trust written documents, how can we trust mere words?” they questioned.
Adding fuel to the unrest, a WhatsApp message surfaced, allegedly urging faculty to attend a solidarity gathering on April 21 at the directorate in support of the government’s decision to absorb 147 contract teachers.
The message warned that participation would be closely monitored, sparking outrage among protestors. Although the message’s authenticity could not be verified, it further agitated the already restless crowd.
A senior CTAN member said the message was perceived as an attempt to intimidate and manufacture consent. Many aspirants, already fatigued by the prolonged impasse, expressed frustration and concern that upcoming exams could affect their continued participation—but resolved to return on Monday to resume the protest.
Meanwhile, in a clarification, Zoology aspirant Noyingbeni corrected a misquote from an earlier report. “Only two posts are usually advertised in my department annually, often with one reserved. Last year, there were none. With this absorption, there is no hope this year either,” she said, highlighting the limited opportunities for qualified candidates.
When contacted for a response, the director of Higher Education declined to comment, stating that the department would issue a statement at a more appropriate time and was not at liberty to speak currently.
As the deadlock persists, all eyes now turn to the state government’s response, with protestors vowing to continue until a concrete resolution is achieved.