Kohima (Nagaland) [India], March 7 (HBTV): The Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) continued its sit-in protest for the second day at the Directorate of Technical Education in Kohima on March 7, demanding the establishment of an engineering college at the Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu. A program was held before the protest began.

Several student leaders addressed the gathering, including Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi, All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) president Tenyinsilo Bukh, Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president David Khriesamhalie, Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) president Pfhulo Sara, Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) president Lirhon E Kithan, and SKK president Gihuka.

NSF president Medovi emphasized that the issue affects all Nagas, not just the Sumi community. He questioned how many leaders the people must approach to find a solution.

‘Our future generations cannot be played with,’ he said. ‘When our neighbouring states have multiple institutions, why can’t Nagaland have one engineering college?’

ANCSU president Tenyinsilo Bukh called the absence of degree-awarding engineering institutions in Nagaland ‘disheartening.’ He noted that on December 17, 2007, the Nagaland Cabinet had approved the introduction of a civil engineering college at Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA), yet no progress has been made in 18 years. He added that ANCSU had also appealed to the state government to upgrade the polytechnic into a full-fledged engineering college. If the government fails to respond positively, students may be compelled to take further action, he warned.

ASU president David Khriesamhalie expressed support for the SKK’s demand, stating: ‘The demand of the SKK is the demand of the Nagas. We Nagas have long been seeking a full-fledged engineering college, and we appeal to the government to come up with an action plan.’

CSU president Pfhulo Sara reiterated that the KPA, the oldest polytechnic institution in Nagaland, had been approved by the state cabinet for an upgrade in 2007. He lamented that many Naga students are denied technical education and are forced to study outside the state. ‘This failure of the government has deprived many underprivileged students of their rightful education,’ he said.

LSU president Lirhon E Kithan also voiced support for the SKK, urging unity in the cause.

Earlier, the SKK had issued an ultimatum to the Nagaland government, demanding the immediate upgrading of KPA into a full-fledged engineering college within a specified timeframe. The SKK insists that the institution should be recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).

Following the program, the union had planned to march to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly gate. However, after learning that the issue had been raised in the ongoing assembly session, the protesters halted their march at the NSF office.

The SKK hopes the matter will be addressed with urgency.

(ANI)