Nagaland tech bodies mourn ‘death of merit’ in protest against 147 college appointments

The ongoing protest by the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland Net Qualified Forum (NNQF) entered its fourth day on Thursday, intensifying their demand for the immediate revocation of the controversial absorption of 147 Assistant Professors and Librarians by the Department of Higher Education.

In a symbolic and emotional act of protest held earlier in the morning, the agitators conducted a “funeral service” for Meritocracy, a principle they claim has been betrayed by the recent appointments made without any open recruitment process.

“Meritocracy did not die a natural death. It was killed — by silence, by manipulation, and by the unjust absorption of 147 assistant professors who were never in the race,” said one protestor during the symbolic ceremony, as participants laid flowers and held placards mourning the death of fair recruitment.

“This funeral is not surrender,” they added. “We may bury meritocracy today, but we will resurrect it with fire beneath our feet. We may mourn today, but justice will rise — and we will rise with it.”

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Meanwhile, in a significant development, a delegation of three core members from both CTAN and NNQF met with Chief Secretary J. Alam in his office. CTAN President Meshenlo Kath informed the media that the Chief Secretary urged the agitators to wait for the report of the fact-finding committee constituted to review the matter and noted that the appointment order has been kept in abeyance due to the ongoing protests.

However, the representatives rejected the committee’s legitimacy, calling it a “delaying tactic” by the government, and reiterated their stand that only a complete and immediate revocation of the order would be acceptable.

Further, Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along has invited the protest leaders for a meeting later this evening. CTAN and NNQF leaders confirmed their participation, while also stating that if the outcome is not satisfactory, the protest will continue with greater resolve.

The protest has stirred public debate around the integrity of recruitment processes and the importance of upholding merit in public service appointments in Nagaland.