The Government Middle School (GMS) Marepkong, located in Mokokchung, has been under lockdown since September 19, with the closure continuing through September 20. The landowners responsible for the lockdown have stated that it will persist until the Nagaland government addresses their grievances.
The conflict stems from an agreement signed between the landowners and the Nagaland government in 1973. According to the landowners, the government has violated the agreement, which included a provision giving special employment preference to landowners for Grade III and IV positions in the school. Specifically, the fourth point of the agreement states, “Any employment either Grade III or IV if occasion arises for filling up vacancies in the establishment of this particular colony may be given to the owners as a special preference.”
The issue intensified after a notification dated August 16, 2024, when the Department of School Education transferred a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) to GMS Marepkong. The landowners claim that no appointments have been made in the last 30 years, but the recent transfer order violated the agreement by appointing an “outsider” as a Grade IV staff member at the school.
The landowners had issued a letter on August 31, 2024, stating that the transfer was “against the wishes of the landowners” and contradicted the agreement. They warned that they would take action if the order was not revoked.
Despite this, the Department issued another directive on September 6, 2024, instructing the 23 transferred MTS/Grade IV staff to submit their joining reports by September 10, 2024. The directive also mentioned “ in case of non acceptance of joining report by the school”, the concerned school may write to the Principal Director stating that the school does not require MTS or Grade IV staff to the department. The landowners viewed this response as an “insult” and a sign of the department’s disregard for their concerns, comparing it to being “kicked off whenever convenient.”
As the standoff continues, the future of the 92 students enrolled at GMS Marepkong remains uncertain. The landowners insist they will maintain the lockdown until the government takes action to resolve the dispute.
The landowners acknowledged and expressed regret for the students missing out the classes and stated, “Although we feel sorry for the students, the issue has turned into this. We have already sent our representation in advance but the department has failed to respond positively and, therefore, we will stand strong.”
Senti Lemtur, Head Teacher of the GMS expressed dismay over the issue that has arisen acknowledging its sensitivity. ”We can only hope that the issue can be settled amicably. There is only one more month for final exams and there are so many activities to be completed. It is our hope that both the government and landowners can find a solution,” said Lemtur.
What is the department’s response?
Tarep, ADEO Mokokchung, told MT that on September 19, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung convened a meeting with the DEO, landowners, SMC Marepkong, Ward authorities, and the Head Teacher, along with the DEO, ADEO, and Sr. SDEO. However, the meeting was unsuccessful.
The ADEO Mokokchung explained that the DEO has sent all the necessary information to the Directorate, but communication has been difficult as the Director, Principal Director, Advisor, and Education Secretary are all abroad on a ‘study tour.’ As a result, they are still waiting for advice from the department.
Reportedly, the DEO has sent a message via text, but a response is still awaited.
On September 20, the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) also met with the landowners, appealing for the school to at least resume operations. However, this effort was also unsuccessful.