Members of the All Sümi Students' Union protest outside the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on March 6, demanding the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 6
Amid the ongoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly session, the All Sümi Students' Union (SKK) has started an indefinite protest outside the Assembly in Kohima, demanding the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA).
Protesting the non-fulfillment of the reported State Cabinet's resolution passed on December 17, 2007, for KPA’s upgradation, students held placards bearing slogans such as, “Don't Let Politics Hold Back Progress,” “Education is Key: Unlock Nagaland’s Potential,” and “No More Stagnation, Elevate KPA to Excellence” and so on.
The protest follows an ultimatum submitted by SKK, which expired on March 5.
Speaking to the media at the protest site, SKK President Gihuka Zhimo described the demonstration as a silent protest.
“This is a sitting protest where we will not resort to any form of social disturbance or public inconvenience. We are here to express our disappointment and resentment over the delay in upgrading or establishing an engineering college in Nagaland,” he stated.
Zhimo highlighted that despite more than 60 years of Nagaland’s Statehood, the absence of a government engineering college has forced thousands of students to pursue higher technical studies outside the state, adding financial burdens to both students and their families.
“Our protest is not because KPA falls within the Sümi jurisdiction but because it is one of the first and oldest polytechnics in Nagaland,” he stated.
Even after more than 18 years since the Cabinet resolution the State Government has yet to implement the decision, he maintained.
Established in 1972, KPA has served its purpose as a polytechnic, Zhimo noted. “We are demanding that the students of Nagaland deserve a higher education institution where they can comfortably study and receive quality education in their own homeland.”
Queried about previous engagements with the government, Zhimo stated that multiple representations have been submitted over the years, including the most recent one to the Chief Minister in 2024, which received no response.
Following the lack of acknowledgement, SKK submitted an ultimatum on February 28.
Zhimo clarified that the protest is not aimed at targeting any individual leader or undermining the government’s functioning but is solely to demand the rights of students and secure a legitimate entitlement.
While hoping for a positive response from the government, the SKK President asserted that it is no longer seeking verbal assurances, and demanding a written assurance from the State Government.
He emphasised that the issue transcends tribal lines, asserting, “Once an engineering college is established, all Naga students will benefit.”
The SKK President also acknowledged the support from various tribal organisations, including the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the Angami Students' Union (ASU), for standing in solidarity with their cause.
The union maintained that if the government does not respond, the protest will continue outside the Assembly.
However, Zhimo reiterated that the SKK does not wish to escalate its agitation, stating, “We are honouring the Cabinet resolution. We are not against it — we are simply asking the government to uphold it.”
