The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), on Wednesday called off their respective agitations against the regularisation of 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians, after the state cabinet revoked the regularisation order.
NSF had launched its first phase of democratic agitation on Tuesday following expiry of its seven-day ultimatum served to the government on April 21. On Day-2 (Wednesday), the federation escalated its agitation by locking the gates of the Directorate of Higher Education and preventing entry of officials, despite repeated appeals from district authorities and officials. Volunteers were stationed at the entrance to ensure that the department remained non-functional.
However, after receiving official confirmation of the cabinet decision in the afternoon, the NSF withdrew its volunteers, allowing the department to resume normal functioning.
Although the police presence was reduced significantly on the second day, personnel from the District Executive Force, Mahila Battalion, and a water cannon vehicle were stationed at the premises to ensure that the situation remained under control.
Addressing the media at the federation’s office later in the day, NSF vice-president Mteisuding expressed gratitude to the state government for positively responding to their long-standing demand. He clarified that although NSF had remained silent on social media regarding the issue, it had been actively and sincerely pursuing the matter for over six months.
“The 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,” he pointed out, stating 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, he stated that the federation it was compelled to take to the streets.
Mteisuding expressed dismay over social media allegations 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, and condemned attempts to drag any individual tribe or student body into the controversy.
“It is regrettable that such false accusations have tarnished the image of our unit. The agitation was a collective effort of the entire NSF and its federating units,” he clarified.
Reaffirming NSF’s commitment to justice, he urged the public to continue placing trust in the federation, assuring that they would never shy away from any issue of injustice in society.
NSF information and publicity secretary Pithungo Shitio said the directorate of Higher Education was shut down as part of their protest while they awaited the cabinet’s decision. He thanked all volunteers, federating units, and subordinate bodies for their cooperation and discipline during the agitation. The office-bearers reaffirmed their readiness to continue championing such causes in the future.
NSF grateful: In a formal note of appreciation, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung expressed sincere gratitude to the state government of Nagaland for acceding to their demand. They also termed the cabinet’s revocation a “significant victory for meritocracy, fairness, and transparency in public recruitment.”
Acknowledging the steadfast support of their federating units, senior leaders, students, and youth across the state, they credited their collective participation and advocacy as instrumental in achieving the reversal of the order. They also extended appreciation to civil society organisations and stakeholders concerned who stood united against what they described as an “ill-conceived cabinet decision.”
Special mention was made of the aspirants who, according to them, exemplified courage and conviction in standing up for merit-based recruitment. “It is their persistent belief in justice that led to the triumph of fairness over arbitrary governance,” they maintained.
They reaffirmed their commitment to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the rights of the student community, warning that they would not hesitate to initiate democratic measures if the principles of merit and transparency in public service recruitment were compromised in the future.
CTAN-NNQF sets 3-week deadline on NPSC requisition
The peaceful protest led by CTAN and NNQF, which entered its sixth day on Wednesday, was held in front of the Directorate of Higher Education and saw increasing participation over time.
Upon receiving news of the Cabinet’s decision, the protestors raised slogans, held a brief thanksgiving session, and dispersed peacefully as their allotted demonstration period concluded in the afternoon.
Speaking to media, CTAN convenor Meshenlo described the Cabinet’s move as a step in the right direction. “We are satisfied with the revocation. It reflects a positive commitment to fairness and transparency in recruitment,” he said.
However, he stressed that their second core demand– requisition of all the assistant professor and librarian posts to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC)—remains unresolved.
He said CTAN and NNQF submitted a joint memorandum to the chief secretary on Wednesday evening, demanding that the government requisition the posts within three weeks.
CTAN and NNQF made it clear that failure to initiate the process by May 21, 2025, would compel them to resume democratic forms of agitation. Acknowledging that requisitioning process may take time, he said this was the reason why they have given the government a three-week window.
Reiterating CTAN’s broader mission, Meshenlo said the association would continue to expose irregularities across government departments. He invited whistleblowers to share credible information, assuring anonymity and protection.
He also disclosed that CTAN has already obtained documents from certain departments indicating procedural irregularities, which will be made public at an appropriate time. “CTAN has been active since 2016. While we started with technical departments, we are now committed to fighting irregularities wherever they exist. The Naga people have become more aware, and the time of backdoor appointments is ending,” he asserted.
He thanked individuals, civil society organisations, and well-wishers for their financial and moral support during the protest. CTAN-NNQF memorandum: In their joint representation, CTAN and NNQF welcomed the April 30 Cabinet decision to revoke the controversial order of regularising 147 contractual appointees.
They called the move a long-standing demand for transparency and merit-based recruitment in Higher education appointments.
The memorandum reiterated that the key demand now was requisition of the 147 posts to the NPSC within three weeks from the date of submission of the memorandum.
They warned that failure to meet the demand by May 21, CTAN and NNQF would be compelled to resort to democratic forms of protest in order to register their grievances.
The organisations stressed that this step is essential to ensure merit-based recruitment, in line with constitutional values and public service norms.
They also clarified that their demand was not simply about reversing the regularisation, but about ensuring that all future appointments are made through competitive examination by the state’s constitutional recruitment agency.