A section of the participants at the mass rally in Zunheboto Town on March 10, demanding the immediate upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu into a full-fledged engineering degree college. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | March 10
Intensifying its stir for the immediate upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering degree college, the All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) today declared that all Government offices within Zunheboto Town will be shut down from March 11.
The movement of Government vehicles will be halted from March 11 as a continuation of the peaceful agitation over the issue, it added.
However, medical, fire, military, emergency services, and educational institutions are exempted.
According to information received from the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto and SKK officials, the Administration (DC office) is also exempted, along with their vehicles, in case of emergencies.
Although the office will not operate as usual, it will be prepared to respond to any emergency situations, they added.
The SKK is spearheading the demand for the implementation of the State Cabinet meeting decision on December 17, 2007, which reportedly approved the upgradation of KPA into an engineering college.
Stating that the agitation is for the overall welfare and future of the student community, the union also appealed to all right-thinking citizens of Nagaland to extend support and cooperation for the common cause.
The SKK further requested the public to bear with the inconveniences that may be caused due to the shutdown.
Meanwhile, on the third day of its ongoing agitation, a mass rally took place in Zunheboto Town on March 10.
Addressing the rally, Sumi Hoho (SH) President Dr Vihuto T Asumi extended strong support to the SKK and stressed that the present issue is not only a Sumi issue but one that concerns everyone.
The institution’s upgradation is not solely for Zunheboto district or the Sumi community but for everyone in the region, he added.
Dr Asumi also informed that numerous representations and proposals had been submitted to the Chief Minister and Cabinet over the issue, but there has been no development so far — only verbal assurances.
“We are beginning to lose trust in our leaders. The Government of Nagaland must address this issue urgently. Other states have multiple IITs and NITs, yet Nagaland lacks a state-run engineering college,” he noted.
To pursue engineering, students are forced to go outside the state, creating a financial burden, he added.
The SH President also clarified that there is no land ownership issue at KPA, as the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) approval for the upgradation has already been granted, though development has not begun.
He further expressed concerns over the lack of responses from the 10 Sumi legislators, urging them to take immediate action on this issue.
Likewise, Sumi Kukami Hoho (SHH) President Hetoho S Zhimomi underscored the need for unity, noting that it is a Naga issue that must be addressed collectively.
“Policymakers must take this issue seriously. KPA has existed for more than 50 years, and we must work together for its development and upgradation,” he added, urging prompt action and conveying SHH’s support to SKK.
“We are not here to seek approval for a full-fledged engineering college but to urge the government to start work this year. Our neighbouring states have multiple institutes, while our state has none," asserted Sümi Totimi Hoho President Vitoli Rochill.
She also called for standing united to support the cause, highlighting the need to alleviate the “burden on our families.”
Joining the rally, Central Naga Students’ Association (CNSA) representative R Sunep Pongen remarked that protests and rallies are not ideal but are necessary to spur action.
“Some districts are addressing this issue, while others, with well-developed infrastructure, do not need such protests. We are not demanding new developments but asking for what has already been approved,” he added.
Pongen also extended support for any further steps on the issue.
The Western Sumi Hoho also joined the rally in solidarity, while Hukaito, Vice President of the Sumi Youth Organisation, called for an urgent resolution to the issue.
Meanwhile, SKK President Gihuka K Zhimo reiterated that the initiative is for the betterment of the entire Naga community.
“In the end, this will benefit everyone,” he said, extending gratitude to all civil organisations for their support and motivation.
He also criticised the state government for depriving many young and educated aspirants of a quality engineering college for over 60 years.
“Despite the ongoing peaceful agitation, there has been no response from the government. Some say we should be patient, but how long should we wait? Zhimo asserted.
He stressed that competing with degree holders while having only a diploma is unfair, especially as there is no reservation and not everyone can afford to study engineering outside the state.
“We must uplift each other, not undermine each other. Until the government gives us written assurances, we will continue to fight,” he added.
The protest was joined by numerous civil society organisations and students from various schools and colleges, holding placards supporting the cause.
