Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 17 (NPN): All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) on Wednesday threatened to launch a phase-wise agitation, including a statewide student movement, if the state government fails to issue written approval for the construction of a 100-bedded girls’ hostel at Kohima Science College (Autonomous).
Addressing a press conference, ANCSU assistant general secretary Imnawabang Longkumer said the union’s 20-day ultimatum had expired without any formal written assurance from the government.
He said the department had informed ANCSU that funds earmarked for the hostel would neither be diverted nor returned, but utilised solely for the project. While describing this as a positive development, Longkumer said the project was facing a bureaucratic bottleneck as the department required written approval from the Chief Minister’s Office, which also holds the finance portfolio, before proceeding.
According to him, the department has sought an additional week to complete the required formalities. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, stating that ANCSU could not rely solely on verbal assurances after the expiry of its ultimatum.
As part of its next course of action, Longkumer announced that all affiliated colleges would observe “Black Friday” on June 19, 2026, to protest what the union views as neglect of students’ welfare and rights.
He maintained that students should not have to agitate for basic educational infrastructure and warned that ANCSU would intensify its agitation if written approval was not issued.
Responding to queries, ANCSU general secretary Sotiho Seb said the issue concerned the future and welfare of students, particularly female students.
He called for greater transparency and accountability, and informed that black flags would be hoisted in colleges across Nagaland following the protest. Seb warned that continued delays could lead to broader student agitation, including street protests, until the government fulfils its commitment to the hostel project.