The Nagaland government has once again appealed to striking state employees to end their protest and return to work, saying that the ongoing agitation has badly affected normal functioning of government offices across the state. The appeal was made by State Government spokesperson and Power Minister K.G. Kenye while addressing the media in Kohima on Thursday. He said that while the government respects the concerns of the employees, the continuous strike cannot be allowed to paralyse public services indefinitely.
The strike has been launched by service associations under the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), who are opposing the induction of non-state service officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre. The JCC wants IAS promotions to be restricted only to State Civil Service (SCS) officers. Kenye, however, explained that the government had acted strictly within constitutional rules and existing norms, and that the selection process followed long-standing conventions practiced since Nagaland achieved statehood.
Kenye clarified that the controversy began after a notification issued on March 10, 2025 called for applications for one IAS post only from State Civil Service officers. This, he said, was done without proper approval and was based on a 2020 order that had neither been discussed nor cleared at the political level. After reviewing the matter, the State Cabinet found that the earlier order lacked legal and procedural backing, and therefore decided to withdraw the March 10 notification. A revised notification was issued on April 24, 2025, opening the selection to both SCS and non-SCS officers in line with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) rules and the IAS Appointment and Promotion Regulations of 1997. 
According to the minister, five candidates were shortlisted out of eleven applicants by the State Screening Committee and their names were forwarded to the Union Public Service Commission. He insisted that the government did not introduce any new practice and only continued the established method of considering all eligible officers with merit and integrity. Kenye also addressed claims that “backdoor appointees” were included in the list, calling the allegation misleading. He said some officers who may not have entered service through competitive exams had later proved their capability, worked honestly, and earned their place through service and seniority.
Kenye urged the employees to recognise their duty to the public and not hold the system “to ransom.” While acknowledging that the JCC has already submitted its grievances to the central authorities, he said the government expects them to wait for the outcome and allow normal work to resume. “In any democracy, the government cannot be expected to face agitation for every administrative decision,” he said, emphasising the need for dialogue instead of prolonged protests.
The minister also responded to suggestions that the situation may have been influenced by internal sabotage. He called the procedural lapses “unintentional” and not motivated by hidden agendas. Stressing that the government values peace and has tolerated the strike for a considerable time, he warned that there is a limit. If the shutdown of offices continues, he said, the government will be compelled to take measures to restore normal functioning.
