Hundreds of aggrieved personnel of Nagaland Police, whose appointments were recently annulled by the High Court, staged a peaceful rally in Kohima on Friday, demanding justice and reinstatement. The rally, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., culminated in the submission of a memorandum to the Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma.
The controversy stems from a September 20, 2024, order by the High Court of Nagaland, which nullified the recruitment of 1,138 police personnel from the 2018–2020 batch due to alleged irregularities in the appointment process. The ruling came following a petition challenging the recruitment’s legitimacy, citing violations in the selection procedure.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl SP) and Public Relations Officer (PRO) K Soriso confirmed that the affected personnel came from nearly all police units. The decision has left these personnel in uncertainty, as many had served in the force for years, including during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
With prior approval from the district administration, around 150 representatives, one from each affected unit, participated in the march to the Police Headquarters (PHQ), PRO said.
The demonstrators carried placards which read as “We don’t want another faction”, “Why recruitment again?”, “We are frontline COVID warriors” etc.
The rally was conducted peacefully, with the personnel emphasizing that their movement was not against the government but rather a plea for fairness.
Following the rally, representatives from the 40 affected units met with DGP Rupin Sharma to present their grievances. A joint memorandum was submitted, though its contents were not disclosed to the media.
Speaking to reporters, a representative of the aggrieved personnel confirmed the submission but refrained from commenting further, stating that they would abide by the directives issued by their higher authorities. He also appealed to the public for support, emphasizing that they were fellow Nagas who had served the state diligently, particularly during the pandemic.
With their appointments quashed, the affected personnel now face an uncertain future. Many had already been integrated into the force, contributing to law enforcement and emergency services. The court’s ruling has led to widespread concerns about their livelihoods and the impact on their families.
The personnel urged the government to find a resolution that balances justice with compassion. They reiterated their willingness to cooperate with legal and administrative processes while seeking reinstatement or alternative solutions that recognize their service and commitment.