Nagaland continues to wait for the High-Powered Committee (HPC) report on the contentious recruitment of 147 assistant professors and librarians under the Higher Education department, a report that was expected “within three weeks” according to Minister of Power KG Kenye on April 30.
Meanwhile, the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) have announced a public dialogue scheduled for Saturday (June 7) at 11 am, at the Angami Women Organization Hall, Kohima. The event aims to hold an open conversation around the unresolved recruitment process that has gripped the state for months.
Speaking at a press conference, CTAN representative Meshenlo Kath disclosed that formal invitations had been extended to the Higher Education department and the minister-in-charge. However, both parties declined, citing prior commitments. In their absence, organizers have called upon several prominent Naga intellectuals and civil society voices to engage in the discussion.
The dialogue comes on the heels of sustained protests by CTAN and NNQF, and a dramatic lockdown of the Directorate of Higher Education by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on April 30. These collective actions led the Nagaland State Cabinet to rescind its earlier controversial decision to regularize 147 contractually appointed faculty and librarian posts.
In a letter submitted to the Chief Secretary, CTAN and NNQF welcomed the revocation of the absorption order by the Cabinet. However, their letter also made clear that their demand for “immediate requisition of the 147 posts to the NPSC [Nagaland Public Service Commission] after Office Memorandum date 06/06/2016, for a fair and open competition” remains firm. This is at odds with the government’s insistence on awaiting the HPC report before taking further steps.
Kath emphasized that while the absorption order has been revoked, the requisition for these posts has yet to be forwarded to the NPSC. “Our central concern remains—why has the requisition not been made yet?” he questioned, highlighting continued opacity in the recruitment process.
Saturday’s public dialogue will include a panel of respected figures such as Niketu Iralu, peace activist and member of Forum for Naga Reconciliation; Dr GT Thong, retired professor and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University; social activist Robert N Solo; Kezekevi Thehouba, representative of Searching Together; and Kahuto Chishi, social activist and politician. The session will be moderated by B Lungleng, host of The Lungleng Show.
DrVidekhono Yhokha, core member of NNQF, urged broad participation from the public, civil society organizations, student bodies, churches, and concerned citizens. Clarifying that no personal invitations have been sent; she appealed through the media for all stakeholders to attend and contribute meaningfully to the discussion.