The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly objected to remarks made by Minister for Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding the alleged interference of certain organizations in matters related to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland.
“If the Hon’ble Minister was referring to the Naga Students’ Federation, the Federation would like to unequivocally assert that we claim full responsibility for raising these concerns in the larger interest of the Naga people and the student community,” the NSF said in a statement.
The Federation expressed deep displeasure that the Minister, according to them, “chose to present half information on the floor of the Assembly, thereby attempting to mislead the House and the public regarding the genuine concerns raised by the Federation.” The concerns, the NSF stated, were formally submitted in a representation to the authorities, objecting to ongoing recruitment patterns and recommending corrective action.
The NSF highlighted that the present faculty composition at NIT Nagaland shows only 13.7% indigenous representation, despite policy provisions mandating at least 50% local representation. “We recommended that the recruitment process be kept in abeyance until these discrepancies are rectified,” the Federation said, emphasizing the need for policy compliance and equitable opportunity for qualified indigenous candidates.
The Federation also flagged non-local control of institute services, noting that “even the Institute Canteen is being operated by non-local individuals, outsourced specifically to cater to the majority of the faculty who are non-indigenous, while capable local youth and entrepreneurs remain deprived of opportunities within institutions established on Naga soil.”
Academic challenges faced by students were also highlighted. The NSF noted complaints that “several faculty members do not conduct lectures or can communicate in English, which has caused immense difficulties for students from the state who are unable to comprehend lectures delivered in Hindi.”
Questioning the Minister’s understanding of these issues, the Federation said, “Rather than attempting to discredit organizations that raise genuine issues, the government must recognize that Nagas are increasingly being placed at a disadvantage due to procedural negligence.”
Calling for systemic reforms, the NSF reiterated its demand for at least 80% indigenous representation in both teaching and non-teaching positions at NIT Nagaland and Nagaland University to ensure long-term institutional stability, accountability, and meaningful participation of local students.
The Federation also warned that many non-local faculty view positions in the state as stepping stones to opportunities elsewhere, often leaving mid-session and causing repeated disruptions in the academic calendar. The NSF stressed that strengthening the presence of committed indigenous faculty is critical for stability and the future of students.
The NSF reaffirmed that its position is “rooted in the defence of the academic rights and future of Naga students” and vowed to continue raising its voice against “any deviation from policy, administrative irregularity or systemic neglect that undermines the rightful interests of the Naga people in institutions established within our own land.”