Members of the All Sümi Students' Union protest outside the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on March 6, demanding the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 6
Amid the ongoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly session, the All Sümi Students' Union (SKK) has started an indefinite protest outside the Assembly in Kohima, demanding the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA).
The students are calling for the immediate upgradation of KPA to a full-fledged Engineering College. They held placards with slogans such as “Don't Let Politics Hold Back Progress,” “Education is Key: Unlock Nagaland’s Potential,” and “No More Stagnation, elevate KPA to excellence.”
Speaking to the media at the protest site, Gihuka Zhimo, SKK President, stated that the protest was a silent one. “This is a sit-in protest where we are not using any form of social disturbance or public inconvenience. But we are here to show our disappointment and resentment over the delay in upgrading or establishing an engineering college in Nagaland."
Zhimo stated that despite over 60 years of statehood, the absence of a government engineering college in the state has forced thousands of students to pursue higher technical studies outside, placing a financial burden on both the students and their families.
Even after more than 18 years since the Cabinet resolution to upgrade KPA to a full-fledged engineering college, the State Government has yet to implement the decision, he maintained.
While hoping for a positive response from the government, the SKK President asserted that it is no longer seeking verbal assurances, and demanding a written assurance from the State Government.
He expressed gratitude for the support of various organisations from different tribal communities, the full backing of the Naga Students Federation (NSF), and the Angami Students Union (ASU) for their presence.
If there is no response today, it will continue its protest outside the Assembly, Zhimo added.
