The Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association (ENGOA) has issued a stern warning that it will pursue legal measures against anyone found defaming or maligning its members without justification, whether through print, electronic, or social media platforms.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the association voiced concern over what it described as the “unfounded and defamatory vilification” of its president, Dr Anungla Imdong Phom, amid the ongoing debate surrounding the induction of non-State Civil Service (non-SCS) officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Terming the recent remarks and personal attacks as “baseless and unjustified,” ENGOA maintained that the selection process carried out under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) procedure is legitimate and binding.
The association alleged that certain individuals and groups have been attempting to twist statutory provisions and spread misleading interpretations that amount to “public vilification and character assassination” of an officer duly selected through due process.
It further stated that such actions, made without any logical or factual understanding of the procedural framework, were “unethical and legally indefensible.”
Reiterating its stand to protect the dignity of officers from eastern Nagaland, ENGOA appealed to all sections of society to maintain restraint and avoid circulating unverified or divisive comments.
The association also expressed confidence that competent authorities will handle the issue fairly and in accordance with established legal procedures to ensure justice and equality among all Nagas.