The Naga Students’ Federation has objected to Minister Temjen Imna Along’s remarks on alleged interference in National Institute of Technology Nagaland affairs.
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DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Friday expressed objection to remarks made by Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding alleged interference by organisations in the affairs of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland.
In a press release, the NSF stated that if the minister’s remarks were directed at the federation, it “unequivocally” stands by its actions, which it described as necessary to address alleged irregularities in the recruitment process at the institute.
The student body also expressed “deep displeasure” over what it termed as the minister presenting “half information” on the floor of the Assembly, claiming that such statements risk misleading both the House and the public regarding the issues raised by the federation.
According to the NSF, it had earlier submitted a formal representation to the authorities concerned objecting to the ongoing recruitment process at NIT Nagaland and recommending corrective measures.
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The federation claimed that its intervention was prompted by “glaring discrepancies” in the recruitment pattern of the institute.
Citing data on faculty composition, the NSF alleged that only 13.7% of the teaching faculty are indigenous to the state, despite provisions that, according to the federation, require at least 50% local representation.
The NSF stated that it had therefore urged the authorities to keep the current recruitment exercise in abeyance until the discrepancies are rectified, stressing that the recommendation was aimed at ensuring transparency, compliance with policy and equitable opportunities for qualified indigenous candidates.
It also raised concerns over the outsourcing of the institute’s canteen services to non-local operators, alleging that opportunities are being denied to local youth and entrepreneurs despite the institution being located in Nagaland.
In addition, the federation maintained that it has received complaints from students regarding the academic environment at the institute.
It claimed that some faculty members reportedly do not conduct regular lectures or communicate in English, creating difficulties for local students who struggle to follow lectures delivered in Hindi.
Against this backdrop, the federation questioned the extent of the minister’s awareness of the alleged administrative lapses in recruitment procedures and the challenges faced by students at the institute.
The NSF asserted that its intervention was driven by the need to safeguard the long-term future of the institution and prevent systemic disadvantages faced by the indigenous population.
It further cautioned the minister against obstructing “legitimate Naga interests” and warned that public institutions in the state should not become spaces where indigenous communities are sidelined.
Reiterating its position, the federation demanded at least 80% indigenous Naga representation in both teaching and non-teaching positions at NIT Nagaland and Nagaland University, arguing that such a measure would ensure institutional stability, accountability and meaningful participation of local communities.
The NSF also claimed that many non-local faculty members treat institutions in the state merely as “stepping stones” for better opportunities elsewhere, leading to faculty departures mid-session and repeated disruptions in the academic calendar.