Dimapur, Oct. 3 (EMN): In expressing solidarity with the ANATG 2015 batch, Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) raised concern over the reported arrest of some leaders while they were carrying out their agitation in a democratic manner.
Denouncing the arrest, the hoho president, Zheshito Swu, and the general secretary, Vikato K Achumi, have termed as ‘unbecoming’ of a democratic government in resorting to such iron hand policies. Stating that ANATG 2015 batch had undergone suitability tests, the hoho testified that their demand for regularisation was genuine vide Office Memorandum No. AR-5/ASSO/98 dated 4.8.2008.
The hoho expressed resentment on the several lapses and loopholes on the appointment of those teachers under the RMSA flagship programme of 2013 and 2016. It stated that while teachers under same RMSA flagship programme of 2013 were given scale pay right from the time of appointment, the hoho said 2016 batch of teachers under the same RMSA scheme were being put under extreme duress and harassment from the government to accept deduction of their salaries or face termination from their services.
It opined that taking such ‘heartless and cruel tactic’ on the noble service is a direct betrayal of those lofty speeches and awards showered to teachers for their meritorious service on Teachers’ Day every year.
In a related statement, Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) has strongly supported the demand of All Nagaland Ad-hoc Teachers’ Group (ANATG) 2015 batch for regularisation of their service.
The union press release issued by its president, Longre M Chang, and the assistant general secretary, Chumseli K, have termed teachers as builder of the society. It therefore stated that the problem confronting teachers are also borne by the students.
Terming the demand of ANATG as genuine, the union earnestly appealed to the concerned authority to consider their demand at the earliest.
In a related statement, Rengma students’ union (RSU) has extended its support to the All Nagaland Adhoc Teachers’ Group (ANATG) 2015 batch on their demand for service regularisation.
In a press release, RSU president Kisheto Kent Rengma and educational and statistics secretary Ziya Kath have termed the demand of adhoc teachers as genuine. It stated that for the past three years Nagaland has witnessed agitations, hunger strikes in phases by teachers which in turn has affected students’ community.
Despite teaching profession deemed as one of the most respected professions in society, the union lamented that teachers were made to undergo all kinds of protest for justice.
RSU appealed to the state government to resolve the issues on priority since the unpleasant situation has not only contributed to the deterioration of government schools in particular but society at large.