Tuensang, November 22 (MExN): Several student bodies in the State on Sunday expressed solidarity with the Eastern Naga Students ’Federation (ENSF) following its 7-day ultimatum to the State government.
The ultimatum was issued over the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) regulation and the non-implementation of Personnel and Administrative Reforms by the Nagaland Public Service Commission.
On November 22, six federating units of ENSF asked the State government to immediately address the matter in the interest of Eastern Nagas.
The Confederation of Chang Students' Union (CCSU) Khaimniungan Students' Union (KSU) Konyak Students' Union (KSU) Phom Students' Conference (PSC) United Sangtam Students' Conference (USSC) Yimchunger Akherü Arih-Ako (YAA) issued a joint press statement pledging support and full cooperation to the ultimatum and also reaffirmed to stand with the ENSF till the demands are fulfilled.
“Even after the submission of representation by the federation in regard to NSSB and NPSC the cold response from the State government has not only but once again showed how they always turn deaf ears to the issues pertaining to Eastern Nagaland,” the statement read.
They maintained that the representations submitted by the Federation “is not beyond the notifications,” and opined that the government should uphold the notifications.
“Failing to address the genuine demands of federation, the six federating units will follow any kind of directive that will be initiated by the Federation,” they cautioned.
ENCSU: Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) also voiced support for the ENSF.
In a statement issued on November 22, the ENCSU supported the 6 point charter demand made by the ENSF to NSSB in implementing the job reservation for six backward tribes of Nagaland.
The Union also sought ‘equal opportunity and equity for the six neglected tribes of Eastern Districts’. It also asserted that every decision made by the ENSF “is examined critically” and appealed the government of Nagaland to take the ultimatum seriously “to avoid further conflicts and issues.”
It may be mentioned that earlier on November 19, the ENSF issued a 7 day ultimatum to the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with regard to the Nagaland Staff Selection Board Regulation, 2020.
In case of failure to address its demands within the stipulated period, the Federation cautioned of taking up “any form of democratic indefinite agitation.”
