DIMAPUR, MARCH 4 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today issued a clarification with regard to its ultimatum issued to the Nagaland Government for setting up a Staff Selection Board (SSB) for the State.
A press release from the NSF President, Ninoto Awomi and General Secretary, Liremo R Kikon said that the setting up of SSB should “not cast any apprehension.” “The motive is only to ensure that every educated youth of Nagaland gets equal job opportunity in matters of public employment as per law,” the federation said.
The statement was issued following a meeting on March 4, where the federation reaffirmed its ultimatum for the government to set up the SSB.
It clarified that the signature appended by the federating units outside the State of Nagaland “does not mean that they will benefit anything or get job opportunity under the exams conducted by the Staff Selection Board (SSB) of Nagaland.”
“It only shows that, the Federation as a collective whole stands united and for which the decision of the ultimatum was endorsed unanimously by all the members present during the Presidential Council Meeting of NSF held on February 22, 2020 besides the other issues which were discussed,” it stated.
It meanwhile reminded that the NSF was formed in 1947 to “defend the rights and aspiration of Nagas, irrespective of the artificial boundaries.”
“Regardless of whether the issue taken up by the federation is within the territory of one State or the other or even internationally wherever Nagas are, the federation stands united at all times. Since its inception, the federation has stood firm in unison without compromise,” it added.
The sole purpose for demanding the setting up of SSB is to curb rampant backdoor appointments, the NSF said. It meanwhile asserted that setting up of SSB will not affect the reservation for ‘backward quota’ including the reservation for persons with disabilities, etc.
The NSF asked the Naga people “not to succumb to confusion and also to be aware of divisive forces." It appreciated constructive criticisms and said that the “target on focus at large should not be compromised in the confusion.”
