Nagaland govt bows to protest: Regularization put on hold, protestors unmoved

When protest became policy — How a people’s movement forced the Cabinet into emergency action

As chants of “Hero! Hero!” echoed through the protest site to welcome GB Kahuto Chishi — one of the most vocal critics of the state’s controversial regularization order — it became increasingly clear: this was no ordinary demonstration. This was a people’s movement.

On April 21, the Nagaland government was forced into an emergency cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex (CMRC), Kohima — a direct response to swelling public outrage against the December 2024 order that regularised 147 contractual assistant professors and librarians without recruitment through the NPSC examination.

The cabinet decided to place the regularization in abeyance and announced the formation of a five-member committee to review the appointments. The panel, headed by Agriculture Production Commissioner Wezope Kenye, was tasked with submitting its report within two months, according to Higher Education and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along.

However, CTAN and NNQF — who have been leading the protest — dismissed the formation of the committee, stating it fails to address the core issue.

“The members of CTAN and NNQF view the decision as unsatisfactory and insensitive given the ongoing protest. The members outrightly reject the decision,” the organisations said in a joint statement, adding that their agitation will continue until the government revokes the December 2024 order. A formal response was also submitted to the Chief Minister.

The protestors are demanding the immediate withdrawal of Order No. HTE/HE/13-3/2020 (Pt.-) 104, issued on December 17, 2024. The order facilitated the absorption of 147 faculty members into government service without selection through the NPSC.

NSF steps in with ultimatum

In a separate meeting, the Department of Higher Education met with the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) regarding the issue. The NSF expressed dissatisfaction and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nagaland government, demanding that it roll back the Cabinet’s controversial decision to regularize the 147 contractual assistant professors.

“If the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe by the 28th of April 2025, the Federation will have no choice but to take to the streets,” the NSF warned in a statement issued on April 21.

Meanwhile, the protestors criticised what they called the “dismissive” attitude of the Higher Education Department for bypassing NNQF and CTAN — the primary protest groups — and instead engaging with NSF and ANCSU. Nonetheless, the protestors extended solidarity to the student bodies.

The protestors have also called for the resignation of Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along.

Protest swells beyond expectations
The protest, which began as a targeted demonstration by qualified aspirants, quickly grew into something larger. Organizers were overwhelmed as more people than expected began pouring in.

“We ran out of refreshments and that was the challenging part,” one volunteer admitted. “Of course, they all came prepared but we honestly didn’t expect this kind of turnout.”

Scenes from the protest site showed emotional intensity and unity. Many protestors, having spent years preparing for UGC-NET and doctoral qualifications, said they now felt robbed of fair opportunity.

Even the police deployed at the protest site appeared sympathetic. According to protestors, the personnel on duty were seen clapping and cheering during speeches.

The next phase: A short pause, not silence
While the protest will temporarily pause for two days, the organizers have emphasized that this is not a retreat. A key meeting is scheduled for 2:00 PM on April 22, during which CTAN, NNQF and core support groups will decide the next course of action. A new circular or ultimatum is expected to be released after the internal discussions.

The CTAN and NNQF informed in a late night circular that they will wait for two days for the CMO to respond to their appeal regarding the rejection of the five-member review committee and their appeal for the revocation of the December 17 order. “We will continue with our protest after the two day period and response of the govt if any,” they added.

What began as a protest by qualified academic aspirants has now grown into a broader movement — one that questions the government’s transparency, commitment to meritocracy, and accountability. With the NSF’s ultimatum also in place, the movement shows no signs of slowing down.

Even during this short pause, the protest stands tall — a symbol of resistance, solidarity, and the belief that in Nagaland, a people’s movement can shake the Cabinet.

As protests rage, Eastern Naga bloc breaks silence on faculty regularization row

Even as the ongoing protest against Nagaland’s controversial faculty regularization order enters a critical phase, the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) — which had so far remained silent — has finally broken its silence, calling for an inclusive and consultative approach before the state proceeds with any decision.

In a statement issued on April 21, the ENSF clarified that its delayed response was due to its “preoccupation” with the recently concluded 8th General Session-cum-Cultural Fiesta 2025. The Federation, which does not come under the umbrella of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), said that despite the delay, it has taken a “considered view” on the matter.

“The issue of absorption of the 147 Assistant Professors should be kept in abeyance for the time being,” the Federation stated.

“We strongly urge the government to convene a coordination meeting involving all relevant stakeholders — particularly student bodies, representatives from the Higher Education department, and concerned communities — before proceeding with any final decisions.”

Noting that the issue has invited many agitations from various corners, the Federation believes that the matter demands thorough scrutiny in order to ensure transparency, fairness, and equitable opportunity for all.

“A hasty or unilateral resolution may lead to unnecessary complications and grievances, which actually should be amicably avoided through collective dialogue,” it added.

Konyak Students’ Union: “Justice must be served. Merit must prevail”

Meanwhile, the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) issued a sharply worded statement condemning the regularization of the 147 assistant professors without adherence to a competitive recruitment process. The KSU described the move as a “total travesty of justice” and “a dangerous precedent.”

“The abrupt regularization of Class-I Officers in the name of ‘special dispensation’ is unacceptable,” the KSU stated.

“This reckless move undermines the very principle of fairness and meritocracy for which generations of aspirants have worked tirelessly, preparing day and night to earn their place.”

The KSU pointed out that even for Grade-III and IV posts, the state has instituted recruitment boards to ensure merit-based selection. It questioned why, then, such safeguards were abandoned for a prestigious academic post that directly impacts the future of students and higher education in the state.

Calling upon its entire student community to “rise in protest,” the KSU said it will fully participate in all forms of agitation against the regularization. The Union concluded its statement with a firm declaration:

“We shall not rest until this grave injustice is addressed and reversed. Justice must be served. Merit must prevail!”

MT