KOHIMA, OCTOBER 6 (MExN): The Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA) has announced that it will enforce an initial three-day Pen Down Strike across all government offices in Nagaland beginning October 14. The decision follows what the association described as the Government’s silence and lack of action on their demand to withdraw a non-NPSC candidate from the Select List of Non-SCS officers for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
In a circular, the association stated that the protest was necessitated by the Government’s “silence and nonchalant attitude” and by its failure to take any measures to address the grievances regarding the subversion of meritocracy. The association said it had been demanding the withdrawal of the non-NPSC candidate from the Select List, which was shortlisted on September 25.
“On the recommendations of the Core Committee and Action Committee, the undersigned Associations henceforth has decided to enforce an initial 3 days of Pen Down Strike across all Government Offices within Nagaland from October 14, 2025 for redressal of our demands,” the circular stated. CANSSEA said it expected the Government to uphold merit but alleged that it appeared “in favour of ushering in backdoor officers for induction into the Country’s most prestigious and premier service such as the IAS.”
The association said the protest aims to demand the withdrawal of the non-NPSC candidate from the Select List of Non-SCS officers for induction into the IAS held on September 25 and to restore the Vacancy Circular dated March 10, 2025, in its entirety to ensure that present and future selections into the IAS from Non-SCS are based on merit and transparency.
CANSSEA added that the Pen Down Strike will continue alongside other previously enforced forms of protest such as black ribbon and badge wearing and poster campaigns. It also informed that necessary modalities for exemption of essential and emergency services will be worked out by respective departments and associations. Members have been advised to adhere to official protocol and maintain attendance at their workplaces during the phase of peaceful protest.
