DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 21 (MExN): Despite the State government issuing a strongly worded statement pointing out that the on-going agitation by candidates selected for Graduate and Under-Graduate Teachers was “illegal” and that the matter was sub-judice, the Selected Teachers GT/PT 2012 decided that the ongoing agitation will continue till further notice. All candidates are thereby informed to report to their respective DEOs/SDEOs positively, informed a press note issued by Alam Jamir, Convenor and Sede Victor General Secretary.
The Chief Secretary had yesterday informed the agitators that their agitation was illegal, as the “objective is to force the State Government to do an illegal act”. The Chief Secretary had also stated that the act of the agitators in locking up the offices of District Education Offices and preventing the Government Officials from performing their duties amounted to a criminal offence under Section 186 of the IPC.
As such, the District Administration and the Police had been advised to enforce the rule of law, and to book the agitators for criminal offence under the IPC, as the objective and method of their agitation are illegal. The agitators were also warned that any person convicted, or being prosecuted for criminal offence under the IPC can be debarred or disqualified for Government employment.
In response to the press release issued by the Chief Secretary, the Selected Teachers made a humble request to the Chief Secretary to kindly check his facts before coming up with any press statements. The press note informed to the Chief Secretary that it was not the PSTE but rather it is the “115 failed B.Ed candidates who are the petitioners in the case”.
Pointing out that such lack of basic and fundamental information reflected the ignorance and insincerity of the government towards the issue, the press note stated that “if a peaceful protest demanding our Fundamental Right is illegal in Nagaland, perhaps the definition of democracy and authoritarianism needs to be re-examined”.
“What legality does the government of Nagaland have to deny the children of their basic Fundamental Right to free and compulsory education?” the press note further questioned.
Pointing out that for months, the Selected Teachers had “displayed utmost patience with the faith that the government would not jeopardise the life and career of 2752 candidates”, the press note stated despite the ‘lackadaisical attitude’ and ‘pariah treatment’ meted to them, they had stood “by our principle of peaceful, non-violent and democratic approach”.
“While our beliefs in these principles are still as strong, unwarranted statements and condescending actions by the government will only aggravate the issue. It is pertinent to mention that any untoward incident arising out of such actions will be the sole responsibility of the concerned authority”, the press note has cautioned.
Stating that since the “emotional trauma and the financial constraints are not restricted to the individual candidate alone”, the Selected Teachers made a humble plea to the parents, family members, friends, well-wishers and all right thinking citizens to kindly come forward in support of the movement.
“Let us stop the government from punishing the punished”. The apex body of the Selected Teachers unanimously decided that the ongoing agitation will continue till further notice and as such, all candidates are thereby informed to report to their respective DEOs/SDEOs positively.
