Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) has appealed to the deputy commissioner and DTF chairman Mokokchung to review the Covid-19 vaccination mandate in the interest of justice and to protect the rights of all sections, particularly the students.
Taking note of the January 11 order where only vaccinated students (at least one dose) be allowed to take admission, or attend regular/offline classes, OKM president Limatongzuk Jamir and general secretary Waluniba Kichu said that irrespective of being vaccinated or not, no one should be deprived the right to education. But the manner in which vaccination is carried out is oppressive, it added.
While clarifying that they were not against vaccination, OKM appreciated the extra ordinary measures and efforts taken up to combat this pandemic. Citing the affidavit filed by under secretary of the Health ministry Satyendra Singh in the Bombay High Court, OKM said that in para (9) it stated that “COVID-19 vaccination is completely voluntary for all citizens of India. The Ministry has not formulated or suggested any policies for discrimination between citizens on the basis of their vaccination status.”
Referring to another counter affidavit filed before the Supreme Court by Dr. P.B.N Prasad, joint drugs controller, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, Health ministry on November 28, 2021, OKM said that in para (64) it stated that “as per the operational guidelines document, Covid-19 vaccination is voluntary. Covid-19 vaccination is also not linked to any benefits or services.”
However, OKM said that para (f) of the January 11, 2022 was totally contrary to the policy of the Central government, and violative of the fundamental rights of the individual student.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025