ANCSU announces 'black friday' protest over delay in girls' hostel construction in Nagaland

Kohima: The All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) has announced a statewide "Black Friday" protest on June 19 over the delay in the construction of the 100-bedded Girls' Hostel at Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma. Black flags will be hoisted in colleges by the Union members on that day as a mark of protest. Addressing a press conference here, ANCSU Assistant General Secretary Imnawabang Longkumer said the union's 20-day ultimatum to the government regarding the project had expired.

Longkumer, however, said ANCSU had received information from the department concerned that the funds earmarked for the hostel would not lapse and would be utilised solely for the construction of the facility. Describing it as a "significant victory" for the student community, he said the department had informed the union that it was ready to proceed but required a written directive and approval from the Office of the Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio.

According to Longkumer, the department has sought an additional week to secure the necessary approval. Expressing frustration over the delay, ANCSU lamented that the absence of a written directive from the Chief Minister's Office had stalled the process. "The department is ready, but the approval is yet to come. We demand transparency and a written resolution," he said. In this, as a mark of protest, ANCSU has called upon its members in colleges across the state to observe "Black Friday" on June 19 by hoisting black flags.

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Longkumer said that if the required approval is not received, the union would launch the second phase of agitation, including a larger student movement across the state. "The ANCSU cannot be satisfied with verbal assurances. We have given sufficient time for the necessary paperwork, but our patience is not unlimited," he stated.

ANCSU General Secretary Sotilo Tep said the issue goes beyond the construction of a hostel building and concerns the future of students and the dignity of education in Nagaland. "When education is delayed, dreams are delayed. When girls are neglected, society is weakened," he said. Tep reiterated the union's demands for transparency, accountability and protection of students' interests, adding that ANCSU would continue its campaign until the government fulfils its responsibility towards the student community.