Dimapur Naga Students’ Union [DNSU] has sealed a dispensary operating from a classroom at Government Middle School (GMS), Midland here after the Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) failed to respond to repeated demands to vacate the facility. On February 18, the DNSU issued a seven-day ultimatum to the H&FW Department for relocating the dispensary, but yet no action was taken.
A notice put up by the union at the sealed premises read: “The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has sealed this classroom due to unauthorised occupation by the Health department. Despite our prior ultimatum, the department has failed to vacate the premises. We demand immediate action and restoration of this classroom for the education of our students. Until the issue is discussed and resolved, the dispensary shall remain closed.”
DNSU also issued a strong warning, stating that “any individual, organisation, or authority who attempts to open or occupy this classroom without prior consultation and resolution with DNSU will face severe consequences.” It warned that stringent measures would be taken against any such action. Interacting with the media, DNSU president Hinoto P Aomi pointed out that the union had given the H&FW Department ample time to relocate, questioning the rationale behind the decision to continue occupying the classroom.
He expressed hope that, with the dispensary now sealed, the Dimapur deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur would convene a meeting involving all relevant stakeholders, including Midland council representatives, to resolve the issue.
He insisted that the dispensary should not be reopened until the matter was fully addressed, warning that individuals, organisations, or even the administration attempting to reopen the facility without resolving the issue would be held responsible for any consequences that might arise.
Meanwhile, Dimapur EAC Litsenthung Kikon acknowledged that, after receiving DNSU’s ultimatum on February 18, the administration had formally written to the H&FW Department, seeking a response. However, as of now, no reply had been received.
He said a meeting had been scheduled, which would include all key stakeholders—the DNSU, the H&FW Department, and Midland councils—to address the matter.
Questioned about the administration’s stance on the sealing of the dispensary by DNSU, Kikon acknowledged that the student body’s concerns were valid, as they were advocating welfare of students.
He explained that to maintain peace and order, the administration had allowed the DNSU to temporarily seal the dispensary, while efforts were being made to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
No encumbrance certificate obtained for Midland centre, says H&FW Dept
In response to the ongoing land issue between the Town Sub Centre and Government Middle School (GMS), Midland here, the Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) has clarified for any health centre to be set up, the department secured a no encumbrance certificate from the village council and district administration.
The department said this step was crucial to confirm that the land was free of any legal impediments. H&FW principal director Dr E Motsuthung Patton in a statement claimed that the land for the health centre had been generously provided by the village authority, reflecting the community’s support and commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. He said the department invested in the construction of three rooms in 2010-2011 to create functional space for healthcare services.
He mentioned that, currently, the sub-centre was utilising two out of the three rooms, with one room temporarily assigned to the school authority.
He revealed that until an amicable solution was reached, all staff would be temporarily relocated to the chief medical officer (CMO), Dimapur. He elaborated that this temporary relocation aimed to minimise disruption to healthcare services while the department sought a suitable and permanent solution.
Patton assured that the H&FW Department remained committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to resolve this issue amicably.