Students of Sao Chang Government College (SCC), Tuensang staged a silent protest at Clock Tower junction, Tuensang town on Thursday demanding proper transportation and roads.
Chang Students’ Union Sao Chang College (CSUSCC), which initiated the protest, stated that students, who turned out in large number, demanded proper bus service and good roads. CSUSCC president James Chang stated that each student had contributed Rs. 2000 for the bus service, but the aging buses frequently broke down due to poor road conditions.
Chang said the students had approached legislators and the administration regarding the issues, but to no avail. He maintained that lack of good buses, better road conditions, and good classrooms was destroying the lives of the students. He said that students would not stop protesting until their demands were met.
SCC’s former general secretary stated that the poor road conditions and shortage of buses were hampering the growth of the students. He urged the state government to replace the old and rusted buses with new ones. He said the condition of buses was so poor that there had been several instances, wherein the occupants narrowly escaped fatal accidents.
SCC general secretary stated that four old buses were not enough to accommodate all the students. He said that students had to hire vehicles to reach college on many occasions.
Stating that Sao Chang College was the only college for students from the districts of Tuensang, Noklak, and Shamator, he alleged that the responsible authorities were not taking their grievances seriously.
Meanwhile, the students submitted an application to vice-principal (principal in-charge) demanding regular and sufficient bus service for the students.
NPCC demands immediate allocation of buses and road construction: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), Public Grievances Cell sought immediate intervention of the responsible department to address the issues faced by the students of Sao Chang College Tuensang.
NPCC stated that road condition along 7 km stretch from main Tuensang Town to Sao Chang College was deplorable. It stated that there were several incidents of college bus experiencing brake failure including recent one on August 30, 2023.
NPCC stated that there was only one government college for Tuensang and Noklak district with around 668 students and four outdated buses. Out of the total, only 3 were “partially functional” and due to which the students often faced difficulties. It said the students missed their classes due to transportation problem and breakdown of outdated buses.
NPCC said the students approached the elected member of area and DC Tuensang, but their grievances have not been addressed so far. Further, NPCC said that the college was functioning without the principal for almost four-five years. It said one was deputed as principal in September 2022 but was released again in May 2023.
NPCC grievance cell has, therefore, urged the responsible authority to immediately resolve the issues concerning the life and future of the students.