The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has strongly opposed the proposed relocation of the Government Hindi Institute from Oriental Colony, Dimapur to the In-Service Teacher Training Institute at Medziphema under Chümoukedima district, stating that the move would adversely affect students who depend on Dimapur as the state’s primary educational hub.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the DNSU said the institute, established in 1968, has served students from across Nagaland for decades and argued that shifting it away from Dimapur would create difficulties, particularly for students from economically weaker sections.
The union maintained that Dimapur continues to offer better connectivity, accommodation, and accessibility compared to other locations in the state.
Questioning the justification cited for the proposed shifting, the DNSU said it had conducted a physical verification of the existing campus and found that sufficient space remains available for the institute’s functioning despite instances of alleged encroachment.
“This raises concerns whether relocation is being pursued out of necessity or mere convenience, without exploring the option of reclaiming and optimizing existing land,” the union stated.
While acknowledging the issue of encroachment, the DNSU argued that relocation should not be treated as the solution and asserted that it is the responsibility of the government to protect and strengthen educational institutions.
The union further expressed concern over what it described as the gradual shifting of institutions away from Dimapur while new infrastructure is being developed elsewhere.
“Dimapur cannot be systematically stripped of its institutions while new infrastructure is developed elsewhere,” the statement said.
The DNSU urged the government to reconsider the proposal and adopt what it termed a “balanced, inclusive and student-centric approach.”
It also warned that failure to address the concerns raised by the union could lead to democratic forms of protest in defence of student rights and equitable development.
