All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has called for a peaceful dharna outside chief minister, T.R. Zeliang’s official residence at Kohima on Monday over non-fulfilment of its four charters of demands by the State government.
In a press release, ANCSU vice president and chairman of grievance committee, Benjong Longchar and general secretary, Vimeyiekho Vitso said the union had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister on December 12 seeking his attention on the matter and demanding justice for students. But the duo alleged that the State government had not reacted or shown any concern towards the cause till date.
Accusing the government of turning a deaf ear towards the issue, they termed it as an insult to the student community and Naga society in general.
ANCSU said it had also reminded Zeliang about the matter through print media. However, the state government chose to remain silent on the issue, it added.
According to ANCSU, the state government had assured the student community on December 7 that it would take positive steps to pay the remaining scholarship amount for the year 2016-17. But, the government had not taken any initiative so far despite its assurance, it pointed out.
ANCSU said it had demanded that the state government make alternative arrangements for disbursal of Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) for 2016-17, besides including three other demands for the welfare and benefit of the student community– i) setting up a separate cell/nodal department for implementing all scholarship schemes, ii) revocation of October 26, 2017 P&AR office memorandum and iii) revocation of August 11, 2016 P&AR office memorandum.
However, with no positive response and initiative from the state government so far, the ANCSU leaders have called upon all citizens, well wishers and college students around Kohima to join the peaceful dharna outside the CM’s official residence on Monday.
It appealed to all concerned to gather at PHQ Junction (BOC), Kohima at 8 a.m., later, to proceed towards the CM’s residence.