Second day of agitation for the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu) by the All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) in Kohima on March 7. (Morung Photo)
NSF, ANCSU and others join in solidarity
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 7
The second day of agitation for the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) by the All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) shifted today to the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Kohima.
The Naga Students' Federation (NSF), All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), Angami Students' Union (ASU), Chakhesang Students' Union and Lotha Students' Union Kohima (LSUK), also joined the agitation.
Addressing the gathering, SKK President Gihuka K Zhimo asserted that the agitation would not stop until the demands were fulfilled.
“It is all for the cause of the Nagas... Enough representations have been submitted to the Government of Nagaland. We do not wish to continue with such agitations, but we have to do it so that our voices are heard and our demands are fulfilled,” he stated.
He further underscored that students in Nagaland deserve better and questioned how they could be expected to excel if the quality of education remained substandard.
The SKK President expressed frustration over what he termed as the lack of even a single acknowledgment or positive response from the State Government on the issue.
“We are speaking on behalf of thousands of students. We cannot afford to break their trust. We have started, and together we will achieve this. We urge the students to come forward for the cause. This is for the betterment of future generations,” he urged.
Zhimo also reiterated the demand for written assurances, not verbal commitments.
Meanwhile, SKK General Secretary, Toshika Kiba stated that the agitation at DTE was the culmination of a long protest for the upgradation of the oldest polytechnic institute in Nagaland.
Also speaking on the occasion, NSF President Medovi Rhi noted that the agitation was timely and took place in the right location, lauding SKK for the initiative.
He stressed that the issue concerns not just the Sumis but all Nagas, highlighting the prolonged wait for the upgradation, noting that it has been 17 years since the cabinet’s approval.
“Unlike Assam and Manipur, which have numerous institutions, why not in Nagaland? It has been 53 years since KPA’s establishment, contributing significantly over the years. Do we still need to wait another decade?” he questioned.
ANCSU President, Tenyesinlo Bukh underscored that the absence of a degree engineering course for many years was unjust.
Despite the December 17, 2007, cabinet approval, the State Government has never been serious about the education sector, despite numerous proposals and representations, including one on December 28, 2024, he alleged.
Stating that Nagas need an engineering college within the state, Bukh added: “If you truly care for the students, kindly provide the right tools. The students of today are the future of tomorrow. Upgrade the college so that we can produce more engineers.” Extending support, ASU President Khriesamhalie David Mere urged the government to provide a positive response through action, not mere verbal assurances. He affirmed that the fight for the cause would continue until it was resolved.
CSU President, Pfhulo Sara also urged the government to address the matter urgently and called for collective efforts until a fully-fledged engineering college in Nagaland becomes a reality.
The LSUK President Lirhonthung E Kithan echoed similar sentiments, emphasising collective action for growth and development.
The students later marched towards the Nagaland Legislative Assembly entrance gate, the site of the first day's agitation.
It was informed that the agitation will continue for a third day tomorrow.
