ENSF directs teachers in eastern Nagaland not to join ANSTA’s proposed pen-down strike

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has objected to the pen-down strike announced by the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) from October 14 to the 16th, directing all educational institutions and teaching staff within eastern Nagaland not to participate in the agitation.

In a directive issued on Friday, the federation described the proposed strike as “irrelevant to the cause of the student community” and “detrimental to the broader educational interest” of the eastern region, where improving academic standards remains a pressing priority.

It stated that closing schools during this period would cause “irreparable academic setbacks” for students preparing for final examinations and urged teachers to ensure normal classes continue. It cautioned that any teacher found defying the directive would be viewed “with utmost seriousness”, terming such actions disruptive to the academic calendar.

Also read: Nagaland: JCC issues guidelines for three-day pen down strike

The federation said it had consistently advocated against “disparities that have long crippled the education system in eastern Nagaland” and criticised what it described as the influence of “certain individuals who appear to be exploiting the system.”

“These individuals, backed by an organisation that seems well versed with governmental processes, have remained silent and inactive while the federation, since inception, has consistently fought against systematic discrimination in the education system,” read the directive.

Recalling its own protest earlier this year against the directorate of School Education’s rationalisation order, the ENSF said the issue is currently under review by a joint committee formed to address concerns raised by the federation. It maintained that any strike at this stage would “jeopardise constructive engagement and divert attention from the core objectives of achieving educational justice and parity.”

Furthermore, it reiterated that closure of schools or suspension of teaching activities would inflict irreparable academic setbacks and gravely affect the morale and performance of students who are already striving under challenging conditions.

“The federation therefore considers the proposed strike untimely, unwise, and counterproductive to the collective goal of enhancing the educational landscape of eastern Nagaland,” it said, appealing to teachers under its jurisdiction to uphold the shared vision of uplifting the standard of learning in the region by refraining from participating in the strike.