Service assns to launch ‘pen down strike’

Nagaland state services associations (CANSSEA, FONSESA, NIDA, NF&ASA and NSSA) on Monday announced their decision to launch next phase of protest— “three-day pen down strike”—with effect from October 14, 2025 against non-fulfilment of demands for withdrawal of non NPSC candidate from the select list of non SCS officers for induction into the IAS.
In a circular, CANSSEA president and core committee convenor Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao; action committee convenor Yhunsenlo Kent; FONSESA president and core committee co-convenor Er. Fineson Pojar; NIDA general secretary and core committee co-convenor Dr. Vietsolie Vupru; NF&ASA president Amenla Jamir and NSSA general secretary and core committee co-convenor Benito K Swu informed that pen down strike would be enforced across all government offices within Nagaland.
The associations said they expected the government to uphold merit, but expressed dismay that the government was “in favour of ushering in backdoor officers” for induction into the country’s most prestigious and premier service such as the IAS.
The associations resolved to go on an initial three-day pen down strike to demand the following: (i) Withdrawal of non NPSC candidate from the Select List of Non SCS officers, for induction into the IAS, held on 25th September 2025. (ii) Restore the Vacancy Circular dated 10th March 2025 in toto for ensuring present and future selection into the IAS from Non SCS ensuring above all merit and transparency.
They said that pen down strike would continue along with all forms of resentment enforced earlier including black ribbon/badges and poster campaigns.
The signatories informed that necessary modalities for exemption of essential and emergency services would be worked out by respective departments/associations.
During the next phase of peaceful protest, the associations advised each member to adhere to official protocol and attendance at the work place.
The associations stated that the proposed strike was in protest against the silence and nonchalant attitude of the state government, which they said had not taken measures to address the grievances of subverting meritocracy and their demands for withdrawal of non NPSC candidate from the select list, which had been shortlisted on September 25, 2025.