Nagaland technical, students' bodies warn of renewed protests over assistant professors' appointments

The Confederation of Tribal Alumni Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland Net Qualified Forum (NNQF) have issued a stern warning that protests could resume at any moment after the Nagaland government failed to fully meet their demands regarding the regularization of 147 contractual Assistant Professors under the Department of Higher Education.

In a joint press conference held today, the two organizations acknowledged that the government had taken steps to revoke the controversial Cabinet Order allowing the absorption of these Assistant Professors. 

This action led to the suspension of the ongoing protest. However, they made it clear that their second major demand—the immediate requisition of the 147 posts to the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) for open advertisement—remains unmet.

"We make it clear that the two demands are two sides of the same coin. We will not accept a piecemeal solution but demand a complete fulfillment," the CTAN and NNQF stated. They expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response and accused it of using “despicable tactics” to distort and discredit the protest, which they argue highlights corruption in the state.

Also Read: Nagaland technical bodies demand formal revocation of appointments, warn of escalated stir

On the academic front, the groups emphasized that the continuation of the current contractual faculty is necessary to ensure smooth academic progression until these positions are properly filled through the NPSC process. They asserted that permanent faculty appointed through a fair and competitive procedure would improve the academic performance of government colleges.

The organizations also strongly rejected any current or future committees that the government might set up to address the issue. They characterized these committees as “a systematic device to delay and kill” the matter, expressing a loss of faith in government procedures and fearing that such committees would only serve to buy time, deviate attention, and legitimize illegal acts.

"We demand fast-track, documentary solutions to the demands at hand, not the formation of committees," they declared, stressing that the youth of Nagaland have endured enough deprivation and government indifference.

Meanwhile, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has announced a protest scheduled for April 29, 2025, following the government’s failure to formally revoke the Cabinet Order dated September 11, 2024, which concerns the regularization of 147 contractual Assistant Professors. Despite a meeting with the State Cabinet, no positive outcome was achieved, and the government did not act to formally cancel the controversial appointments.

In response, the NSF has instructed its federating units to mobilize volunteers and assemble at NSF Oking, Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, by 8:30 AM on April 29. The Federation has emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and strict adherence to NSF leadership during the protest.

The NSF reiterated that the protest is essential to defend the interests of the student community and uphold merit-based governance. They are demanding the formal revocation of the appointments, not just verbal assurances.

The Angami Students' Union (ASU) has also directed its four constituent units—NASU, WASU, CSU, and SASU—to mobilize 80 volunteers each, with a cultural touch, and report by 8:30 AM. The ASU has warned against any disruptions and called on the State Government to meet the NSF’s demand immediately to prevent further confrontation.

With discontent simmering, the NSF has made it clear that the protest movement will continue until the government formally revokes the controversial appointments and restores public confidence in transparent recruitment practices.