Morung Express News
Kohima | September 17
As the sit-in protest of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) 2016 batch teachers entered its eighth day with no positive response from the government, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) served a 10-day ultimatum to the Government of Nagaland on September 17.
The ultimatum, addressed to the Chief Secretary, demanded the immediate redressal of the long-pending grievances of the 367 RMSA 2016 batch teachers. The NSF stated that a thorough emergency Presidential Council meeting on September 17 acknowledged the “invaluable service” of the teachers for their dedication, noting that their contribution has played a vital role in strengthening school education and shaping the lives of Naga students.
To this end, the NSF cautioned that failure to deliver justice to the teachers within the stipulated ten days would compel it to adopt democratic measures and necessary agitations to safeguard the teachers’ rights and ensure the justice they are entitled to.
“The continued neglect of their grievances amounts not only to a violation of their dignity as teaching professionals but also to an affront to the collective aspirations of the Naga people for quality education,” it stated.
The NSF also appealed to the government and all concerned authorities to refrain from issuing any notifications or administrative orders that may aggravate the situation or compromise the dignity and rights of the teachers.
If the government remains unresponsive, it would be forced, in support of its constituent organs, to publicly denounce in the strongest possible terms the inaction of the state government, it added.
The Federation expressed hope that the government will act with urgency, fairness, and sensitivity to avert any escalation and restore faith in its commitment to the teaching community.
Meanwhile, Renbemo L Patton, RMSA spokesperson, said the NSF, in its meeting with RMSA, had requested them to relax their sit-in protest and return to their classes in the interest of the students.
“They had also requested us to call off our agitation, but after coming this far, it is not easy for us to withdraw just like that,” the spokesperson said. He also appreciated the seriousness shown by the NSF, which has submitted a 10-day ultimatum to the state government.
More orgs extend support
Meanwhile, various organisations extended support to the teachers' demands. Among others, they sought implementation of the March 16, 2022 Gauhati High Court order, which was upheld by the Supreme Court on May 20, 2025.
ACAUT: The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland extended its “unwavering and unsolicited support” to the teachers, terming the government’s delay in regularising their services and providing due entitlements as “nothing less than exploitation.”
“It is imperative that the current government does not remain silent or indifferent to the voices and suffering of the RMSA teachers. Justice delayed is justice denied,” it added, urging the government to address the teachers’ grievances without further delay and work toward a permanent resolution.
KTC: The Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) flayed the government’s failure to honour the court verdicts, calling it “inequitable and unjust governance.” Highlighting teachers’ contributions to Nagaland’s literacy achievement, it said prolonging the crisis only harms students’ academic welfare. The Council expressed solidarity with the teachers and urged the government to enforce the court’s directives and restore dignity to the profession.
NCD: The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) appealed to the Advisor for School Education for urgent intervention, calling the situation “grave” for parents and stakeholders as 133 schools remain affected.
It noted that the teachers’ genuine demand had favourable rulings from both the High Court and Supreme Court, and “justice should not be delayed any further.” While a review petition has been filed by the department, NCD maintained that the government should “agree in principle” to the scale pay and seek the best possible option to resolve the issue with magnanimity.
NPCC: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) voiced concern over the “lose-lose situation” created by the stalemate, which it said is hurting students the most. It criticised the government for delaying the implementation of court directives and urged immediate compliance in the larger interest of the student community, asserting that the teachers’ entitlement to salary and service benefits is unambiguous.
“The future of our children must always remain the top priority, and every effort must be made to ensure that it is not jeopardised by inaction or neglect,” it stated.
TSU: The Thang Students’ Union (TSU) expressed strong support for the teachers, noting that 133 government high schools have been affected.
Citing the example of Noklak Village GHS, which has excelled in HSLC results but has been disrupted by the strike, the Union appealed to the government to urgently honour the court’s decision to avoid further escalation.
“The dignity of life is an inherent right and the teacher-student relationship should be restored by fulfilling the demand of the aggrieved teachers in the interest of educational rights,” it added.
