CTAN, NNQF to launch 2nd phase protest over govt inaction

The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF) have announced second phase of their agitation following the expiry of their ultimatum to the state government to requisition 147 posts of assistant professors and librarians to the Nagaland Public Service (NPSC).
In a joint statement, both the organisations said May 28 would mark the lapse of one week since the deadline had expired, which also coincided with the submission of the High-Powered Committee’s (HPC) report.
They disclosed that though their representatives made a concerted effort to reach out to the government to discuss the lapse of the deadline for requisition on May 22, they were informed that the chief secretary was out of station, which prevented direct engagement on this critical matter.
They said what was far more troubling than the chief secretary’s schedule was the government’s deafening silence regarding the progress report of the requisition at this juncture.
According to them, despite the momentous wave of protest, repeated representations, and a clear ultimatum, the government’s silence had evoked speculation of its nefarious schemes.
“This state of affairs leaves us to question its commitment to due process of law and accountability. What exactly is the government trying to hide?” they wanted to know.
In light of this intentional stonewalling and the government’s apparent disinterest in engaging constructively on this matter, the CTAN and NNQF said they had been compelled to resort to the second phase of agitation, which would be slogan campaign as an immediate measure.
They maintained that the campaign was a direct response to the government’s reticence on requisitioning the posts and served as a means to raise public awareness. They said they believed that the public had the right to know the steps taken by the government to address the issue, adding the slogan campaign aimed to inform and mobilise citizens on this crucial issue.
Further, by continuously vocalising their demands, they explained that they aimed to keep the issue alive and compel the government to address the public’s legitimate concerns.
They claimed that the slogans would reflect the frustration and disappointment of the public affected by the government’s lack of transparency, which was one of the benchmarks of its proclaimed manifesto.
While a slogan campaign was their current course of action, they asserted that it signalled their unwavering commitment to requisition. They cautioned that should the government go on to ignore their demands, they would be forced to escalate their protests.
Reiterating their demand for immediate requisition of the posts, the CTAN and NNQF urged the government to cease its obfuscation and uphold its duty to give answers to public grievance. They declared that they remained steadfast in peaceful and democratic means of protest, and would continue to advocate for the rights of the public to information and accountability.