Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 28
After coming to understanding with the state government over the superannuation issue, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today suspended its bandh scheduled for December 1 till legislation on this matter take place, as per assurance given in writing by the chief minister himself. Moving in quickly to resolve the crisis, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a letter addressed to the NSF president assured that the state government will introduce a bill in the next session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to make legal provisions for ‘fixing’ the maximum length of service for the state government employees.
Rio also assured that the state government will pursue with sincerity the Civil Review petition already filed on 27th November 2008 by the state government in the Kohima bench of Gauhati High Court, praying for review of the earlier judgment of the Gauhati High Court whereby, they had restrained the state government from ‘fixing’ maximum length of service for state government’s employees”. Besides the letter of assurance, Rio held a consultative meeting with the NSF along with representatives of the Naga Hoho, Angami Public Organization and state government officials. The meeting took place in the chief minister’s residential office today at 3:00 PM.
Following the letter of assurance, the NSF called off today’s clamp on movement of all government vehicles at 4:00 against its scheduled timing of 6:00 PM after arriving at an understanding with the government at the consultative meeting.
NSF president Imchatoba Imchen said that the NSF has called off today’s’ agitation and suspended the proposed bandh on December 1 after coming to understanding with the state government and at the same time receiving written reply from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Addressing a press conference, NSF president Imchatoba Imchen acknowledged the Chief Minister and his colleagues for showing concern for the plight of the younger generation. He also thanked the government for displaying the necessary political will to resolve the issue.
The NSF however said that it will never keep sleep but will meticulously pursue the matter until it is legislated upon as assured by the state government. Meanwhile, the NSF acknowledged all the federating and subordinate units who stood with the Federation on the issue of superannuation. It also thanked the college student for responding to the call of duty during the agitation. The Federation also thanked the Naga people for supporting the NSF on fighting the issue of superannuation.
The NSF was appreciative of Chief Minister for coming straight to the point, which it said has an indication of the government’s seriousness and committed to solve the issue. Meanwhile, the NSF said that today’s agitation was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from any corner of the state.
.jpg)
