Sümi Students’ Union Begins Indefinite Agitation Outside Nagaland Assembly Over Delay in KPA Upgradation

The silent sit-in protest commenced following the expiry of the ultimatum that SKK submitted to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on February 18.

The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) has begun an indefinite agitation outside the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, protesting against the prolonged delay in upgrading Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering college.

The silent sit-in protest commenced following the expiry of the ultimatum that SKK submitted to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on February 18. SKK President Gihuka Zhimo said that the upgradation of KPA, Nagaland’s oldest polytechnic institution established in 1972, has been long overdue.

Zhimo reminded that the state cabinet approved KPA’s upgradation to a degree-level college on December 17, 2007, under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership. “We are honouring the cabinet’s resolution. We are not opposing the government; we are asking the government to uphold its own decision,” Zhimo stated.

Despite repeated assurances and official approvals, the state government has failed to take concrete steps to implement the decision. Zhimo pointed out that this inaction has forced thousands of Naga students to pursue technical education outside Nagaland, causing financial strain on families and the state exchequer.

“KPA has served its purpose well as a polytechnic institution. Now, students in Nagaland deserve a higher education institution where they can study in their own homeland without having to move outside for quality technical education,” Zhimo said.

He criticised the state government for ignoring several appeals and multiple representations submitted over the years. He clarified that the agitation does not target any specific leader or undermine the government’s functioning but is solely aimed at securing students’ rightful access to higher technical education in Nagaland.

Zhimo further stated that SKK would only accept written assurances from the government and would reject verbal commitments. He added that various organizations from different tribal communities, along with the Naga Students’ Federation, fully support the union’s demand.

The protest will continue indefinitely until the government provides a concrete written assurance regarding KPA’s upgradation.

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