NSF, DNSU slam vaccine mandate for students

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has described as “unbecoming” the reports of education institutions making COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for the students to attend classes/appear in examinations.
In a press note, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep secretary education Medovi Rhi stated that “vaccination should be taken with the free will and clear conscience of the receiver” and not forced upon.
Affirming that it was not against COVID-19 vaccine, the federation has, however, said that forcing the same upon the students was not the right. NSF has, therefore, appealed to the responsible authorities to “refrain from such dictatorial practices”, which it said has been a cause of “great mental and emotional stress to the young students.”
The federation also appealed to the student community to exercise prudence and ensure that all COVID-19 SOPs was followed.
It also stated that vaccine hesitancy needed to be done away. NSF said that vaccine has been approved after having thoroughly studied the health implications based on scientific facts. It urged people not to just rely on “hearsay or fake social media updates.”
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has expressed serious concern over the complaints received from the students and parents/guardians that some educational institutions denied entry to unvaccinated students.
DNSU through its media cell appealed to the authorities of the responsible institutions to exercise wisdom, be logical and resolve the issue with the concerned authority and not risk the career of students.
In line with the directives of the Supreme Court, DNSU maintained that any individual including the students should not be forced to take vaccine. It said that “forceful imposition” to take the vaccine in schools and colleges was totally against the freedom of choice of every individual.
The union said it was “shocked” by the “non-sensible” directive of the state government to allow only vaccinated students in the institutions.
DNSU said it was confused as to why the vaccination certificate was so necessary for the students.
In this regard, DNSU has appealed to the government to come up with “a better strategy to cope with the situation as this directive only forces the student’s career to be affected.”
Also, reacting to latest SOP issued by the government asking all in-bound travellers (whether vaccinated or not) to produce a negative RT-PCR report, DNSU said it appeared that a vaccinated certificate holds no value for entry in the state.
Meanwhile, DNSU has asked that any students facing coercion imposed by the educational institutions to contact 9077416856 and 9862531781.