In response to a call from the Chang Students’ Conference, the apex body representing Chang Naga students, to close Sao Chang College in Tuensang, effective 12 October 2023 due to the authorities’ failure to meet their demands, the college remained closed on Thursday. The agitation is set to continue until the students’ demands are met.
Notably, the Chang Students’ Conference or Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS) has presented the Department of Higher Education with a charter of four demands: the appointment of a principal, allotment of college buses, deployment of teaching and non-teaching staff, and an upgrade of the college’s science laboratory.
Sanglekhamba, the General Secretary of CWS, disclosed that the CSW issued a 7-day ultimatum on 26 September, which expired on 2 October. Following this, they wrote another letter on 4 October which prompted a response from the Department, seeking a meeting on 11 October.
He informed that the CWS president attended the meeting where, during the meeting held on 11 October, the Department dishearteningly stated that it was not their responsibility. This, according to Sanglekhamba, prompted the CWS president to question, “If it is not the Department’s responsibility, then whose responsibility is it?” Sanglekhamba added that the agitation would persist, and that the decision to enter into phase 2 of agitation is yet to be finalized.
Chongshenmongba Chang, a former General Secretary of the Sao Chang College Students’ Union (SCCSU), revealed that the students’ union plans to stage an agitation at the Clock Tower in Tuensang in support of CWS’ call. He emphasized the students’ unwavering commitment to continue the protest until their demands are addressed by the responsible department.
Chang clarified that the earlier protest was called off based on assurances from the district administration that their demands had been acknowledged and that the relevant department would address their concerns. However, the students now feel that their demands have not been adequately met.
Sao Chang College in Tuensang stands as one of Nagaland’s oldest higher educational institutions, yet it faces severe deficiencies in essential services. The college’s students’ union initiated a street protest on 31 August 2023 feeling “neglected and abandoned,” and presented three fundamental demands: replacing dilapidated buses, repairing a critical 7-kilometer road connecting Tuensang town to the college, and appointing a principal.
The students argued that these issues have persisted since the college’s establishment. Past students have raised these concerns with elected representatives, who have repeatedly made promises but failed to fulfill their commitments.
It was informed that on 16 August 2023, the students met with their current Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), who assured them that their demands would be met “sooner or later.” The college authority had also submitted a memorandum addressing these pressing issues. However, on 30 August 2023, a bus “brake failure” nearly resulted in a catastrophic accident, prompting the students to intensify their protests.
Moreover, the students’ union expressed concern about the extended absence of a college principal, spanning more than two to three years. According to the students, principals are appointed but frequently experience short tenures and frequent transfers.
The Chang Students’ Conference subsequently addressed these grievances, leading to the issuance of the ultimatum on 26 September.
Efforts to contact the District Administration were unsuccessful at the time of this report’s submission.