Zunheboto, March 8 (MExN): The Sümi Hoho (SH) today made an urgent appeal to the Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) to an engineering degree college.
In a representation, the SH, representing the Sümi community and the broader populace of Nagaland, acknowledged the Government of Nagaland for its decision to upgrade KPA to an Engineering Degree College, as per a State Cabinet meeting on December 17, 2007.
However, it noted that the delay in implementing this decision for the past 18 years has necessitated the renewed and intensified efforts of the Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SKK) to push for its realisation.
The critical need for the upgradation is attested to by the unwavering support of the Nagaland Students’ Federation (NSF), the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), and various tribal student bodies, the SH added, extending its appreciation.
The SH’s representation also pointed out that KPA, established on September 14, 1972, holds the distinction of being Nagaland’s first polytechnic and has played a pivotal role in imparting technical education, offering three-year diploma programmes in Civil, Electronics & Electrical, Mechanical, and Automobile Engineering. The institute's dedication to academic excellence is further validated by its National Board of Accreditation (NBA) certification, it maintained.
Thus, the SH held that the demand for upgradation is not merely a regional concern but a statewide necessity. Nagaland still lacks a state-run engineering college, forcing aspiring engineers to seek education outside the state, which poses financial and logistical burdens on students and families. Elevating KPA to an engineering degree college would bridge this gap, it added.
Accordingly, while appreciating the Cabinet’s approval, the SH “strongly” urged that implementation begin in the current academic session. Repeated assurances without concrete action have led to growing concerns and a potential trust deficit, and the youth of Nagaland cannot afford further delays in accessing quality engineering education within the state, it asserted.
The SH, along with all stakeholders, reaffirmed its commitment to the transformative initiative and expressed hope that the Government of Nagaland will honour its commitment to educational progress by ensuring the timely upgrade of KPA under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
SKK to hold mass rally in Zunheboto town
In continuation of their peaceful agitation demanding the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA), the All Sümi Students' Union (SKK) will be organising a mass rally at Zunheboto Town Centre Point area on March 10 from 10AM. The SKK in a press release has requested Sümi Hoho, Sümi Kukami Hoho, Sümi Totimi, all frontal organisations, students and all the citizens to show solidarity with their cause by participating in the rally.
