NSSU seeks review of police recruitment process

Northern Sumi Students’ Union (NSSU) has expressed disappointment over the recent police department advertisement for the recruitment of 1,176 constable (GD) posts, saying it exposed the “systematic” underrepresentation and neglect of the Sumi people (residing under Wokha and Mokokchung Districts) in state-level recruitment and service opportunities.
In a press release, president Hika Achumi and general secretary Florence K Sumi stated that despite being one of the major tribes of Nagaland with a strong demographic presence, particularly in Wokha and Mokokchung districts, the Sumi community continued to remain marginalized in allocations, reservations, and recruitment quotas.
NSSU stated that recruitment advertisement reflected a structure where Sumi applicants from Wokha and Mokokchung were at a distinct disadvantage, “further perpetuating inequality.” The student body stated that Sumi inhabitants in those districts for decades have been overlooked in developmental projects, administrative participation, and public service opportunities. It maintained that tribal representation in state jobs should reflect fairness and inclusivity, not selective recognition.
NSSU stated that Northern Sumi community was not demanding special privilege but seeking fair and rightful representation in all state processes, including police recruitment. “This is not only a matter of employment but of dignity, identity, and equality in the broader Naga family,” NSSU stated.
The union has, therefore, urged the state government and the Nagaland police department to review the current recruitment process to ensure fair and proportionate representation of all tribes, including the Sumis of Wokha and Mokokchung districts.
It also urged the government to acknowledge and address the long-standing grievances of the Northern Sumi community regarding representation in state services. NSSU remarked that integrity of state’s governance and unity among its people could only be preserved when every tribe, big or small, was given equal recognition and participation.