NSSB: NSF stages 2nd phase of agitation

A black flag hoisted in front of the NSF Office in Kohima on March 18. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 18

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Wednesday staged its 2nd phase of agitation against the state government’s inaction in implementation of Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) policy.

Hoisting black flags and putting up banners and posters in all the federating and subordinate unit headquarters, the NSF demanded the approval and implementation of NSSB policy forwarded to the government.

Reiterating its demand, NSF President Ninoto Awomi said the NSF wanted the government to call a consultative meeting with the stakeholders at the earliest before the approval and implementation of the NSSB policy.

Awomi said the NSF’s charter of demands includes three other points-- issue of notification scrapping all departmental exams, issue notification banning direct recruitment to all Group C posts and issue of notification stating that all Group C posts shall be requisitioned through open recruitment by the soon to be set up NSSB.

 Members of NSF during the 2nd phase of agitation against the state government’s inaction in implementation of Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) policy on March 18 in Kohima. 

NSF to continue 2nd phase agitation
Awomi recalled that after staging the 1st phase of agitation, the NSF received a letter from the government stating that it has constituted an NSSB committee and is pursuing the matter earnestly. Accordingly, the NSF kept the 2nd phase agitation in abeyance.

“But so far we have not received any official correspondence from the state government so we have started the 2nd phase agitation,” said NSF Vice President Dievi Yano.

On February 22, NSF had served a 15-day ultimatum to the Chief Minister on the same matter. The ultimatum has since lapsed. 

Stating that the NSF have kept all mass based democratic agitation in abeyance as for now in view of COVID- 19 pandemic, Awomi said this phase of the agitation will continue for some time. If the state government fails to response positively, then the third phase of agitation will be a severe one, he added.

‘NSSB is like antidote to curb backdoor appointment’
Considering the rampant backdoor appointment that is taking place in Nagaland state, the NSF had put forward the demand for setting up of NSSB to the government to ensure that the government promotes meritocracy, provides equal job opportunity and justice is done, Awomi said adding that NSSB is like an antidote to curb backdoor appointment.

Awomi said that the NSF is positively looking forward that the government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will meet the demand at the earliest in the best interest of the student community and the younger generation.