Kohima: The functioning of government offices across Nagaland came to a halt on Tuesday as thousands of state employees began a three-day pen-down strike called by the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to protest the government’s move to induct a non-NCS officer into the IAS cadre.
The JCC, an umbrella body of five major employees’ associations, launched the agitation demanding the withdrawal of what they termed a violation of long-standing recruitment norms.
The committee accused the government of recalling its March 10 vacancy circular to facilitate the inclusion of a non-state cadre officer for IAS induction.
Employee associations have urged the state to abide by the Office Memorandums of 2001 and 2016, which require that such vacancies be advertised openly through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.
The JCC includes the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA), Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA), Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA), Nagaland Finance and Accounts Service Association (NF&ASA), and Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Association (FONSESA).
CANSSEA president Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao said the state government had initially invited applications for the IAS vacancy in March this year, with 11 candidates applying within the 15-day deadline.
“However, on the 16th day, the circular was abruptly recalled,” he said, adding that the government’s silence since then had left employees “deeply disappointed.”
Prior to the pen-down strike, the JCC had staged multiple protests, including black badge demonstrations and poster campaigns, urging the government to uphold meritocracy.
With no official response forthcoming, the committee launched its third phase of agitation from Tuesday to Thursday.
Employees have reported to their offices but have refused to perform official duties as part of their symbolic protest.
ALSO READ: Army porter missing for 20 days rescued after massive search in Arunachal Pradesh
Banners reading “Meritocracy in IAS Induction – Not Backdoor Entry” were seen displayed at various offices across districts and the state capital.
A JCC spokesperson said the agitation would continue peacefully until the government opens dialogue with the associations.
“This protest is to defend the principles of fairness and to safeguard the future of Naga youth,” he said.
Government officials could not be reached for comment, but sources indicated that the State Cabinet is expected to convene on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
