Morung Express News
Tuensang | April 25
The Sao Chang College Students’ Union (SCCSU), Tuensang has formally withdrawn its earlier letter supporting the absorption of contractual assistant professors into regular service, citing miscommunication, undue pressure, and threats allegedly made by some faculty members.
The original letter, dated April 10 and addressed to the Ex-Officio Director of the Department of Higher Education, expressed unconditional support for the regularisation of contractual teachers at the college. It cited longstanding staff shortages and the significant contributions of contract assistant professors to the institution’s progress, including during the NAAC accreditation process. The appeal stressed the continued need for teaching staff despite the regularisation and urged the state government to proceed with the cabinet decision.
However, less than two weeks later, the union issued a withdrawal letter dated April 22, stating that the April 10 communication should be treated as “null and void.” According to SCCSU leaders, the earlier letter was signed under misleading pretenses and in a climate of coercion.
In a press conference held on April 24 in Tuensang, General Secretary Hanchila and other officials alleged that student leaders were pressured to sign what was presented as a mere “acknowledgement letter.” They said a group of contractual professors told them the letter was procedural and that their signatures were necessary for completing the formalities of regularisation already granted by the government.
“They told us this was just an acknowledgement. But when we studied the content, it was clearly more than that,” Hanchila said. “We were also threatened that anyone who went against the letter would be seriously dealt with by the government. This was told to us on April 9.”
The union leaders also addressed recent claims made by the Congress party, which has allegedly taken credit for facilitating college buses and road maintenance. The SCCSU denied these claims, stating that these initiatives were spearheaded by the student community and later supported by the apex body, the Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS).
“Whatever they’re saying is not true,” said one official. “The efforts to secure buses and road improvements came from us students first, and the CWS supported us. No political representatives were involved directly.”
When asked whether recent events suggested that the student body was being influenced or divided by external forces, the SCCSU maintained a firm position. “We, the students of Sao Chang, are not influenced nor divided by any external forces,” said another official. “Our actions are guided solely by our responsibility to the students and the integrity of our institution.”
The union said they will maintain a neutral stance on administrative matters beyond the student body’s jurisdiction, particularly those involving government policy and employment.
“Our focus is the welfare of students. Faculty appointments are the domain of the government. We acted in good faith, but we now believe we were misled,” said Hanchila. “By withdrawing the letter, we reaffirm our position.”
