Dimapur March 25 (MExN): Reacting sharply to Higher Education Minister Dr Shurhozelie’s statements made concerning the agitation of the Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA), the latter has demanded immediate apology for the ‘defamatory’ statement.
Specifying the statement made by the Minister in local dailies that “university properties were damaged at the instance of a few university” the NUTA demanding an immediate apology stated that accusing the teachers of instigating students to damage university property is highly defamatory.
“The honorable Minister must not underestimate the university teachers or their ‘sizes’. The decision to demand for the resignation of Professor GD Sharma from Vice Chancellorship has the full mandate of the teachers of all three campuses under NUTA” the NUTA reminded in a strong reaction through the Central Executive Council of the association. The NUTA while informing that it comprised of all the teaching faculty members in the three campuses of Kohima, Lumami and Medziphema reminded the minister that the NUTA belongs to a Naga culture and does not distinguish or discriminate on class, caste or creed. “It is very unfortunate that a senior elected representative of the Naga people can stoop down and make derogatory remarks about university teachers and their sizes”. Asserting that the educated community in the state cannot be underestimated and for this cognizance the association said that it has been a strong pressure group for accountability in the university system which has resulted in the appointment an Acting Vice Chancellor in place of Professor GD Sharma.
The NUTA while expressing disappointment with the Minister, questioned why a senior elected member of the people was defending corruption “because at a time when Nagas particularly the educated group and youth are fighting corruption”. “(He) as the minister in charge of Higher Education, we are deeply disappointed with the patronage he has given to Professor GD Sharma for so long, in spite of serious irregularities committed by him as the vice-chancellor” the NUTA maintained while adding that the teachers are above ‘petty politics.’ The NUTA also stated that at no time did the State government assisted or support the agitating community in the fight against corruption in the Nagaland University.
It lamented that it was a harsh reality that lawmakers themselves protect corrupt people for which the law of the land has failed on many occasions. This has been the case of the issues of Nagaland University, whereby lawmakers have given full protection to Professor GD Sharma and his coterie for the past four and half years, the NUTA stated. “We are a new breed of Naga intellectuals who will unflinchingly stand for transparency, accountability, justice and equal opportunities for all and will not be intimidated by anyone, no matter what their position is” the NUTA made known.
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