Kohima, 19 October (MTNews): The Nagaland University Students’ Union-Kohima Campus (NUSU-K), Nagaland University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NUNTSA-K), Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA), and Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF-K) have decided to temporarily suspend their ongoing protest. This decision comes in response to the constructive actions taken by the University authorities and the district administration in addressing the demands put forth by these four bodies.
The protest, which had persisted over recent days, originated from an incident that took place on 16 October. On that day, the official vehicle of the Pro Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University was intercepted and he was allegedly threatened by a group of individuals purportedly from Meriema village as he was en route to his office.
The individuals are reported to have obstructed his passage through their land and issued menacing warnings. This situation prompted the Pro-Vice Chancellor to return home, as outlined in a joint statement released by the Nagaland University Teaching Association (NUTA), Nagaland University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NUNTSA), Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF), and Nagaland University Students Union (NUSU) of Kohima Campus on 17 October.
Before deciding to suspend the protest, the four bodies had outlined a four-point demand which included an official written apology from the alleged wrongdoers, a strong condemnation of the University authority’s negligence and lack of seriousness in handling the matter, and a call for the state government to ensure the safety of the Nagaland University Kohima Campus community.
Additionally, a 48-hour ultimatum was issued to the fact-finding committee to present its report. In light of the positive developments following their demands, the concerned bodies on 19 October have declared that normal campus activities will promptly resume. However, they have emphasized that the protest may be reinstated if they detect any lapses or shortcomings from the relevant authorities in addressing their concerns.
NSF condemns, calls for accountability and inclusivity
In a firm response to the 16 October incident, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) expressed its strong condemnation of the incident. The NSF through a statement conveyed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that it not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of a respected academic leader but also raises questions about inclusivity within the university community.
It also mentioned how the incident originated from disputes related to bill payments associated with the construction of roads leading to the new engineering campus.
“It is crucial to note that established procedures for releasing bills, including the involvement of a construction monitoring committee to certify work completion before payment approval, are in place,” stated the NSF.
The NSF pointed out the lackadaisical attitude of the VC at Nagaland University headquarters in Lumami stating that despite the sensitivity of the issue and the need for immediate intervention by the Vice-Chancellor, the response has been inadequate, leaving the campus community feeling unheard.
The Federation also questioned the timing of the fact-finding committee’s visit from Lumami, which only took place after the Pro-Vice Chancellor was threatened. “It is crucial that matters of discrimination and harassment are addressed promptly and effectively,” it added.
The Naga Students’ Federation further urged the Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University to assume his responsibility as the head of the institution and engage in dialogue with the campus community.
“We have confidence that the fact-finding committee will work towards an amicable solution within the stipulated period,” it said, adding that they recognize the complexity of land ownership issues and called upon the state government to play a pivotal role in settling these disputes (as per the MoU), so that such issues do not surface in the near future.
The NSF has emphasized that the incident should not create division between the university and the local community but instead, encourage peaceful coexistence and collaboration for the betterment of education and development in the region.
The Naga Students’ Federation articulated its demands for accountability, justice, and a swift resolution to the issues faced by Nagaland University’s Meriema Campus. It underscored that the safety and well-being of students and faculty, along with the overall academic environment, must remain the utmost priority for the university authorities.