Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma gates seen locked in the aftermath of Jotsoma Youth Organization initiating the shutdown on March 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 7
The Jotsoma Youth Organization (JYO) has decided to suspend the agitation it started on Friday, which involved the closure of Kohima Science College (Autonomous), to protest the appointment of a bus conductor — a move it claims violates an agreed understanding between the Department of Higher Education (DTE) and the Jotsoma Village Council.
As announced on Thursday, the JYO had locked the gates of KSC over the issue on March 7.
However, a statement issued by the organisation late Friday evening informed that the agitation has been suspended with effect from 9 PM on March 7.
In a press release issued by its President and General Secretary, Rokozhalie Gwirie and Menoleto Rino, the JYO stated that the suspension followed an assurance given by the Minister of Higher Education & Tourism that the appointment of the bus conductor would be cancelled.
The Minister also assured that the candidate nominated by the Jotsoma Village Council would be appointed, and conveyed the assurance to the MLA of 8 Western Angami Constituency and the Minister of Horticulture & Women Resource Development, it said.
It was also based on an appeal by the Minister of Horticulture & Women Resource Development to the JYO, it added.
The JYO expressed its appreciation to the Principal, teaching faculty, staff, and students of KSC for cooperating with the organisation during the agitation.
It further expressed hope that the authorities would honour their commitment to maintaining a congenial academic atmosphere within the college in the days to come.
"The JYO will fully cooperate with the authorities for the development of the college in the future," it added.
Earlier in the day, the JYO locked the gates of KSC, alleging the failure of the Department of Higher Education to respond to its call to cancel the appointment of the bus conductor.
The shutdown also came after receiving no tangible response from the department to a representation made over the issue on January 3.
JYO President Gwirie informed The Morung Express in the afternoon that the college gates were locked in the morning despite faculty and students turning up to attend classes.
"This is a peaceful resentment, and we do not have any misunderstanding with the college authority," he clarified.
Justifying the agitation, he stated that the appointment of the bus conductor was a violation of their rights, as there exists an understanding that local landowners would be given preference for Grade-IV posts — keeping in mind that Jotsoma Village had donated 50 acres of land along with 150 acres at nominal compensation in the 1960s to establish the college.
According to the JYO, the Village Council has maintained a roster for recommending capable candidates for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions in various departments within its jurisdiction.
While some long-serving ad hoc appointees at KSC have been denied regularisation due to unverified documents, the recent appointment of the bus conductor — who was on fixed pay since 2018 — was made without following the same verification process, he added.
Several student bodies, including the All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU), Angami Students' Union (ASU), Western ASU, among others, met the JYO during the course of the day.
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