Dimapur, OCT 17 (MExN): The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has decided to begin its first phase of agitation across the whole of the Northeast in the form of a peaceful sit in demonstration from October 19. This move is in protest against the failure of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to address its demands which were earlier submitted through a representation on September 23 last. The influential student body has further cautioned that till the BSNL commits itself to address the demands raised by them the agitation will continue where more vigorous and aggressive methods will be employed. “The NESO, therefore, appeals to the general public to give cooperation to NESO and bear with the inconveniences so caused during the various phases of agitation,” a communiqué issued by its chairman Samujjal Bhattacharjya and General Secretary NSN Lotha said.
Meanwhile, the agitations in Dimapur would be spearheaded by DNSU. The DNSU officials said that the agitation will be based on the proposed Plan-140 of the memorandum submitted by the NESO to BSNL. It may be mentioned that the plan 140 which refers to a scheme of lower monthly rental for the BSNL cellular users. Interestingly it is not available in the state. The organization has highlighted on the Students Power Scheme (SPS) for the benefit of the students community, provided by BSNL which is prevalent in other parts of the country. The DNSU has demanded for a clear explanation for the denial or discrimination of facilities between the students of north east and other parts of the country.
According to the DNSU, the introduction of a public grievance cell at the BSNL office which was also proposed, has not yet received any positive results for which the organization further demanded for its implementation. Referring to the Tarang service which the company had “launched” especially meant for the student community, the DNSU said that when the said organization went to avail the WLL Tarang connection all the forms have been issued out mostly to people other than the students.
The proposed agitation will also include all the other demands submitted by the NESO to the Chief General Manager of BSNL.
NESO’s charter of demands
• Launch Students Power Scheme which gives a special concession to students using cellular phones and also the Plan-140 scheme which allows a subscriber to use a mobile phone by paying a monthly rent of Rs 140
• 100% reservation of jobs for in categories C&D and first preference for categories A&B
• Furnish the list of employees along with their place of original residence
• Address excessive and faulty billing immediately
• Urgent rectification of the “Ever Network Busy Trouble”
• Efficient service of Wireless Local Loop in the interest of the rural masses
