Nagaland service body extends 3-day pen-down strike

Dimapur: The joint coordination committee of state service associations in Nagaland has extended its three-day pen-down strike, originally launched on Oct 14, until further notice.This third phase of agitation protests the alleged subversion of meritocracy in the induction process of non-state cadre service officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The JCC has consistently demanded transparency, merit-based selection, and strict adherence to due process in IAS inductions.The media cell of the JCC said the decision to extend the strike was taken on Oct 16 after reviewing the “facts and prevailing circumstances”.However, in response to a request from the All Nagaland School Teachers' Association (ANSTA) and in consideration of students’ welfare, the JCC said teachers and educational institutions are now exempt from the strike.