DIMAPUR, APRIL 28 (MExN): The Aggrieved Teachers Association Nagaland (ATAN) presently undergoing indefinite hunger strike today wrote to the Chief Secretary & State Vigilance Commissioner, Government of Nagaland with what looked like a fresh ‘charter of demands’ and significantly the charter of demands was placed before the government through the President, Naga Students Federation.
“At the intervention of Naga Students Federation and following the assurance of the Govt. through the NSF that written assurance for the fulfillment of the above four demands would be delivered to ATAN within 48 hours, the ATAN has decided to temporarily suspend the indefinite hunger strike”, stated the Convenor and General Secretary.
In the event of failure to stand by its word/commitment the ATAN shall intensify its agitation and the Govt. shall be held totally responsible, the ATAN stated.
According to the ATAN Charter, the SIT Vigilance shall verify only the Educational Documents as passed in the Cabinet and all other charges shall be dropped. Secondly, the verification process shall be monitored by the Naga Students Federation to ensure that only the educational documents are screened.
Thirdly, the entire verification process shall be completed and retention/ regularization order shall be issued within 30 days w.e.f. 24th April 2012. If the investigation into the genuineness of the educational qualification of the Teachers is not completed within 30 days as stipulated, the verified teachers shall be re-instated in service upon the expiry of stipulated 30 days. The fourth demand states that the “SIT shall acquire the Teachers Educational certificates only and shall not be subjected to interrogation by the SIT”.
Meanwhile ATAN has expressed gratitude to NSF and NMA for taking up the responsibility to address the long-pending issues of the aggrieved teachers. ATAN executive Atoka said that the initiative taken by NSF is purely on “humanitarian grounds” and hoped that this initiative by the apex students’ body will be honored by all the parties involved. He also expressed ATAN members’ acknowledgements to the Naga Mothers’ Association and several other NGOs for heeding to the pleas of their children in their cry for justice at these “crucial times.”
The executive also informed all ATAN members to be present at the DEO office premises on 30th May at 12 noon.
