Absorption issue: ‘Endorsing irregularity is tantamount to endorsing corruption’

AKM, ASU, CSU, LSU & SKK caution against ‘peaceful dharna’ supporting regularisation

Dimapur, April 21 (MExN): Several apex tribal students’ bodies has cautioned its members against participating in the “peaceful dharna” in support of the Nagland Government’s decision to absorp or regularise contractual post in the Department of Higher Education (DHE).

The “peaceful dharna,” purportedly the behest of DHE, is scheduled across all government colleges on April 21 to “show solidarity to the decision of the Government of Nagaland in regularising 147 contractual teachers.”

The directives from the students’ unions came after the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on April 19 instructed all its federating units and subordinate bodies to stay away from a planned demonstration on Monday.

The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) said it was perturbed by the circular calling for a demonstration involving students and teachers from government colleges. 

Such a move, if allowed, would not only politicise the student community but also exploit their sentiments for causes that stand contrary to the principles of fairness and accountability, it stated. 

To this end, the AKM called upon its constituent units and members to strictly refrain from participating in the proposed demonstration.
Any member found violating this directive shall be held individually accountable and dealt with firmly in accordance with AKM’s code of conduct, it added. 

The apex Ao students’ body also reminded members that endorsing irregularity is tantamount to endorsing corruption.

The AKM stated that the hopes of thousands of aspirants must not be trampled in favour of arbitrary shortcuts, and called on all to rise together—not just in protest against justice, but in unity for a better and accountable future.

The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) also staunchly cautioned “any authority or group from misleading the innocent students’ to involve in motives that are gratuitous.”

Reminding of the NSF’s notification, it said that the union will not allow any individual/group/authority to engage in activities that confronts with what is right and what is just.

Thus, it urged all concerned are asked to refrain from either initiating or participating in such protests/demonstrations which are contentious and against the principles of the students’ community.

The ASU will not shy away from confronting with any authority if the wellbeing of the students and aspirants are not upheld, it added. 
The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has directed all its units and members to refrain from participating in any form of protest or agitation in support of the absorption of Assistant Professors.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the CSU stated that it remains committed to the principles of transparency, meritocracy, and fair recruitment in public institutions. However, it also emphasised the need for responsible and peaceful discourse.

“At this juncture, the Union deems it necessary to maintain composure, allow the competent authorities to examine the matter, and refrain from engaging in any protest activities that may lead to unnecessary unrest or misinterpretation of intent,” it stated.

All subordinate units, institutions, and individual members have been strictly advised to comply with this directive, cautioning of CSU’s disciplinary regulations for any act of defiance.

The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) also declared that it will not “endorse any demonstration, rally, or dharna within its jurisdiction that supports corruption, nepotism, or any form of irregularity,” and has directed its members to mobilise in opposition to an upcoming event at Mount Tiyi College.

In a press release, the LSU issued a clarion call to all its affiliated Ranges, Circles, and Units to mobilise 10 volunteers each and reach the Mount Tiyi College campus by 7AM on April 21.

This comes after the Office of the Principal, Mount Tiyi College, Wokha, reportedly issued a notification on April 19 directing all teaching faculty and staff to compulsorily  observe a peaceful dharna” within the college campus on Monday.

In response, the LSU asserted that while it recognises the importance of peaceful demonstrations, it is crucial that such gatherings remain focused on promoting positive change and do not compromise the values of meritocracy, transparency, and accountability.

The office of the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) all notified to all Sümi students across Sümi-inhabited areas to refrain from participating or engaging in support of the notification issued to invite students and teachers to support the arbitrary regularisation.

It further directed Sümi students to refrain from participating in this process, as it violates the principles of transparency and fairness, potentially having a negative impact on their future.

All units and sub-units are instructed to monitor and prevent Sümi students from demonstrating in favour of such practices, remaining vigilant within their respective units, it added.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, a DHE circular dated April 19 was shared on social media, informing faculty and students to refrain from “any kind of agitation in the matter of absorption of Assistant Professors.”

The circular, purportedly issued at the direction of the Minister for Higher Education & Tourism, stated that the government is “going to deliberate with the stakeholders to mitigate the issue.”

The authenticity of the circular could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.