Nagaland University (NU) Kohima Campus “temporarily” called off their protest after all activities at the campus was suspended for the past three days following a threat meted out to Kohima campus pro-vice chancellor on October 16 by some local contractors.
In a circular, the four agitating bodies of the campus including Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA), Nagaland University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NUNTSA-K), Nagaland University Students’ Union-Kohima Campus (NUSU-K) and Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF) announced their decision to temporarily call off the protest.
The circular stated that in view of the “positive steps” taken by the university authority and district administration with regard to their four-point demands made on Wednesday, the protest had been called off and work would resume with immediate effect.
The four bodies cautioned that the protest would resume at any time if there were any lapses on the part of the authorities while resolving the issues.
Threat on Pro-VC flayed
Organisations including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Central Executive Council, Nagaland University Teachers’ Association (CEC NUTA) and Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) have expressed strong condemnation over the threat and harassment meted out to pro-vice chancellor (PVC) of the NU Kohima campus, Prof. GT Thong on October 16.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) through its president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung expressed deep concern about the incident, which it said jeopardized the safety and well-being of a respected academic leader and raised questions about inclusivity within the university community.
Stating that the incident stemmed from disagreements related to bill payments, NSF said there were established procedures for releasing bills, including the involvement of a construction monitoring committee to certify work completion before payment approval.
NSF also expressed dismay at the “lackadaisical attitude” of the VC Nagaland University headquarters, Lumami, whose response, it said had been “inadequate” leaving the Kohima campus community feeling unheard.
Further, the federation questioned the timing of the fact-finding committee’s visit from Lumami, which only took place after the Pro-VC was threatened.
NSF said it was crucial that matters of discrimination and harassment were addressed promptly and effectively.
NSF also urged NU vice chancellor to assume his responsibility as the head of the institution and engage in dialogue with the campus community. It expressed confidence that the fact-finding committee would work towards an amicable solution within the stipulated period.
Acknowledging the complexity of land ownership issues, NSF called upon the state government to play a pivotal role in settling those disputes (as per the MoU) so such issues did not surface in the future.
NSF maintained that the incident should not lead to division between the university and the local community. It called for peaceful coexistence and collaboration for the betterment of education and development in the region.
NSF has demanded accountability, justice, and a swift resolution to the issues faced by NU Meriema Campus.
CEC-NUTA: Central Executive Council, Nagaland University Teachers’ Association (CEC NUTA) through its president Prof. T. Zarenthung Ezung and secretary general Alice Pongener expressed deep shock at the action of some people who waylaid, harassed and threatened Pro-VC with dire consequences on October 16, 2023.
CEC-NUTA stated that such deplorable behaviour has not only hurt the sentiment of the teaching faculties of the university but also totally disturbed the academic environment in all the four campuses.
In view of the incident, CEC NUTA urged upon the competent authority to look into the matter at the earliest so that such unwarranted incident did not occur in the future.
RSZ: Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) through its president Kenneth Kath and general secretary Sokenye Kentis expressed deep displeasure over “the act of harassment and threat” against Pro-VC Prof. GT Thong while he was on his way to the campus on October 16, 2023.
Stating that Prof. GT Thong was one of its senior-most advisors, RSZ said he was a strong proponent of work ethics and integrity at all levels. “As such we fail to understand as to what morale wrong he might have committed to warrant such mistreatment,” RSZ said.
It said that using threat and intimidation to resolve issues has no place and scope in a civilized society.
RSZ affirmed strong objection to the use of such practice towards any officers discharging their duties diligently. It reminded that any institution or government agency has laid-down protocols that needed to be strictly adhered to. RSZ said that no officer should be penalized for holding on to the etiquette.
RSZ has, therefore, appealed to the responsible authority to intervene at the earliest and settle the matter in the right way and spirit. It also urged the authority to ensure that no officers were made to undergo such treatment.
Zienuoimia Clan clarifies
Zienuoimia Clan belonging to Meriema village issued a statement with regard to the October 16 issue.
The clan president Kekhriezhazo Angami, referring to the application submitted by the contractors to the Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said it was made clear that even after the completion of work the final bill was not released by Pro-Vice Chancellor, NU Kohima Campus. It said that the contractors were deprived by their right as they were asked not to meet him in the office over the contract work for which bill was not released.