Nagaland: CTAN and NNQF Stage Massive Protest in Kohima, Demand Minister’s Resignation

KOHIMA–  Hundreds of protesters, led by the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), took to the streets of Kohima today, demanding the resignation of Nagaland’s Higher Education and Tourism Minister, Along Imna.

The rally, held under the slogan “Right to Equality Opportunity,” called for the immediate revocation of Government Order No. HTE/HE/13-3/2020(Pt-1)/104, dated December 17, 2024, which regularized 147 assistant professors and librarians through what protesters allege are “backdoor appointments.”

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The demonstration began outside the Directorate of Higher Education, with protesters chanting “We want justice” and “Whose job? Our job!” They criticized the regularization process for bypassing transparent recruitment protocols, including the Common Educational Services Examination (CESE), which requires NET/PhD qualifications, written exams, and expert interviews.

CTAN and NNQF argue that such appointments violate merit-based recruitment, undermine University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, and deprive NET-qualified candidates of fair opportunities.

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In a press conference prior to the rally, CTAN and NNQF clarified that their agitation targets the mode of appointment, not the qualifications of the appointees. “Backdoor appointment refers to any public appointment carried out without open advertisement,” they stated, responding to Minister Along’s defense of the regularization.

The protesters also condemned the All Nagaland Government College Teachers’ Association (ANGCTA) and Kohima Science College for allegedly mobilizing students to counter-protest in support of the regularized faculty, urging students to join their cause instead.

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The agitation, which began on April 16 with a lockdown of the Higher Education Department, has escalated into a public movement. CTAN and NNQF have warned of indefinite protests if the government fails to rescind the order and adhere to the 2016 Office Memorandum banning contract appointments.

The Naga Research Scholars’ Forum Shillong (NRSFS) and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) have expressed solidarity, highlighting concerns over the future of education in Nagaland.

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As the rally disrupted normalcy in Kohima, local authorities maintained a heavy police presence to prevent unrest. The protest has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many supporting the call for transparency in recruitment. The state government has yet to issue an official response to today’s developments.