Amid the ongoing State-wide agitation over the IAS induction process, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF)- have expressed concern with agitation led by JCC and the government’s handling of the issue.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has strongly condemned the ongoing statewide agitation led by the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), expressing deep concern over the targeting, trolling, and defamation of Dr. Anungla, a citizen of Eastern Nagaland. ENPO described these personalized attacks as unjust and unbecoming in a Christian state, emphasizing the mental trauma inflicted on Dr. Anungla.
ENPO said that while it recognizes the constitutional right to protest in a democracy, it cannot remain silent as a movement for reform has devolved into character assassination and the destruction of an individual’s integrity. The organisation also criticized the state government’s “silence and lukewarm attitude” towards the ongoing pen-down strike, questioning whether the entire situation was manipulated to victimize a citizen of Eastern Nagaland.
ENPO highlighted that certain individuals and associations have resorted to detestable personal remarks that malign the reputation of the officer and urged the state government to use its wisdom to resolve the issue amicably. Observing that the IAS induction matter is escalating negatively, ENPO reiterated that any legal issues should be addressed in appropriate forums rather than causing suffering to the innocent public.
Further, ENPO reminded that government servants operate under established authorities and cautioned that targeting individuals instead of addressing concerns with proper authorities crosses ethical and procedural boundaries.
YTC: The Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing IAS selection controversy, along with the accompanying pen down and tool down strike, which it says has caused disruptions and hindered the smooth operation of state government offices.
In a press release, YTC president Throngso Yimkhiung and secretary K. Hankiu expressed disappointment over individuals targeting and sharing images of Dr. Anungla Imdong Phom, additional director of DUDA, on social media, labeling such actions as unethical and undemocratic. The council condemned this defamation and character assassination of a government official, urging all parties to refrain from such behavior.
YTC emphasized that the state government is following the guidelines set forth by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in nominating and shortlisting candidates from the Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) category for IAS induction, based on eligibility and performance criteria. The council insisted the selection process should be entrusted to the state government’s discretion and criticized those acting as though part of the selection committee without authority.
The council also highlighted that selected candidates must still undergo an interview round and noted the public outcry suggests a premature declaration of final IAS selections. YTC appealed for cooperation, urging all stakeholders to allow the government space to make decisions for the welfare of all Nagas.
ENSF: Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has submitted a detailed representation to the chief minister addressing the statutory and factual circumstances around the induction of Non-SCS officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under the IAS (Recruitment) Rules, 1954, and IAS (Appointment by Selection) Regulations, 1997.
ENSF president Nuheymong Yim and secretary Atoy Phom explained that recent controversies made it essential for the federation to clarify the statutory and procedural frameworks governing IAS induction, drawing on information gained through an RTI filed on September 9, 2025. The RTI response confirmed that no new eligibility criteria restricting induction to Non-SCS officers recruited through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) have been introduced or approved by the state government. This undermines the Vacancy Circular dated July 6, 2020, and challenges the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms’ (DoP&AR) support for the JCC’s stance.
According to the RTI findings, the induction of Non-SCS officers into the IAS is governed exclusively by the IAS (Recruitment) Rules, 1954, and IAS (Appointment by Selection) Regulations, 1997, both established under the All India Services Act, 1951, and uniformly applicable across all states. ENSF emphasized that the IAS, being a central all-India service, follows selection processes under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) and UPSC guidelines.
ENSF noted that the July 6, 2020 Vacancy Circular limiting eligibility to NPSC-recruited officers was never implemented or recognized by the screening committee or state, evidenced by a Non-NPSC officer’s recommendation and induction in 2021. The federation justified the nullification of the March 10, 2025 advertisement legally and administratively.
The federation criticized the “bias and discriminatory attitude” emerging from fabricated interpretations aimed at suppressing the rights and representation of Eastern Nagaland. It pointed out that past instances involving Non-NCS officers went unchallenged, highlighting inconsistencies in the current dispute involving Eastern region officers.
ENSF reaffirmed that the state government lacks authority to alter statutory eligibility under the 1997 regulations, controlling only eligible officer identification for UPSC. They cited similar provisions adhered to by states like Gujarat, Tripura, Kerala, Odisha, and Haryana.
Merit, defined as “outstanding merit and ability” under Regulation 4(1)(i), relates strictly to service performance, not entry mode. The federation clarified that past inducted Non-SCS officers initially appointed on contract or ad hoc bases were later regularised following thorough verification of experience and performance.
ENSF emphasized that the IAS induction process selects officers based on exceptional service and integrity and warned that interference in this lawful, centrally governed process undermines administrative discipline and due process. The federation also stated that the JCC’s agitation contradicts UPSC lateral entry guidelines.
ENSF urged service associations to be well-versed with IAS regulations and condemned entities misrepresenting the selection rules for personal or political gain, misleading others, and undermining central and state law authority. The federation denounced defamatory attacks on bona fide members of ENGOA, describing the acts as malicious and unfounded.
ENSF warned that if such character assassination continues without proof, it would publicly disclose details of officers appointed through “backdoor” methods versus the examination route.
While reaffirming faith in the state government, ENSF pledged support for adherence to due process and called for swift action promoting fairness, justice, and equal opportunity for all Nagas.