Nagaland: NSF puts protests on hold, to engage HPC on regularisation of Medical Officers

Dimapur: Amid growing uncertainty over the fate of 97 Medical Officers under the Health & Family Welfare Department, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Saturday, February 7, held an emergency high-level meeting to review the State government’s response after the expiry of its ultimatum on regularisation.

While the Federation has temporarily held back mass democratic action, it signalled continued vigilance and left the door open for future steps if talks fail to deliver a fair resolution.

The NSF convened the 2nd Emergency Presidential Council Meeting (2025–2027) at NSF Oking on February 7, 2026. The meeting specifically deliberated on the lapse of the ultimatum issued to the State government on December 20, 2025, which demanded the regularisation of 97 Medical Officers.

During the meeting, the House placed on record its deep appreciation for the dedicated services of health workers. It particularly acknowledged their frontline role during the COVID-19 pandemic and their sustained contribution to public health and welfare across the State.

The Council also took serious note of the State Cabinet’s decision on February 3, 2026. The Cabinet resolved to keep the regularisation orders in abeyance and to constitute a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to re-examine the issue. In response, the House authorised and endorsed the NSF Executive Council to engage with the HPC to pursue an amicable, fair and just solution.

Although the Federation’s ultimatum has formally expired, the NSF clarified that it has temporarily kept all democratic measures in abeyance in the interest of dialogue. However, it urged all its units to remain alert and prepared for any course of action if discussions fail to yield a satisfactory outcome.

Reiterating its core principles, the NSF affirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, meritocracy and constitutional procedures. At the same time, it said it will continue to safeguard the interests of the student community and the public at large.