DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 10 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has issued a directive objecting to the proposed Pen-Down Strike called by the All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) from October 14 to 16 terming it “irrelevant to the cause of the student community” and “detrimental to the broader educational interest” of Eastern Nagaland.
In a statement issued on October 10, the Federation said that after thorough deliberation, it found the proposed agitation unaligned with the educational priorities of the region. “ENSF directs all educational institutions and teaching personnel within Eastern Nagaland not to observe or participate in the said strike,” it stated.
ENSF said it has “consistently and courageously advocated against the disparities that have long crippled the education system” in the region. It expressed regret that schools and teachers were being “directed to close down due to the influence of certain individuals who appear to be exploiting the system,” adding that these individuals, “backed by an organisation that seems well versed with governmental processes, have remained silent and inactive” while the Federation has continually fought against “systematic discrimination in the education system.”
The ENSF recalled that its recent agitation against the Rationalization Order issued by the Directorate of School Education (DoSE) was based on concerns that the order was “unjust, discriminatory, and unfavourable” to the interests of teachers and students in Eastern Nagaland. The agitation was suspended after the Department constituted a joint committee to review the issue and work towards a “fair, balanced, and rational framework.”
“In light of this ongoing process, any form of strike at this juncture would only jeopardize the constructive engagement and divert attention from the core objectives of achieving educational justice and parity,” the Federation said.
ENSF further said that this period is a critical academic phase as students prepare for their final examinations. “Any closure of schools or suspension of teaching activities would inflict irreparable academic setbacks, gravely affecting the morale and performance of students who are already striving under challenging conditions,” it stated. The Federation described the proposed strike as “untimely, unwise, and counterproductive to the collective goal of enhancing the educational landscape of Eastern Nagaland.”
The Federation appealed to all teachers under its jurisdiction to “uphold this shared vision by ensuring normal academic functioning and by refraining from extending any cooperation to the proposed strike.” It asserted that ENSF “stands resolute and uncompromising in its mission to safeguard the academic welfare of students and to work constructively with all stakeholders towards a just, equitable, and progressive educational environment.”
While reaffirming its commitment to addressing issues concerning the education sector and preserving cordial relations with the teaching community, ENSF cautioned that “any teacher under the jurisdiction of the Federation found defying this directive shall be viewed with utmost seriousness,” stating that such actions would constitute “a direct disruption to the normal functioning of the academic session” and go against “the collective interest of the student community.”
