Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Monday had issued a notification for an emergency protest in strong objection to the candidatures of non-indigenous candidates of Nagaland State under the Nagaland State Quota for NEET 2025 admission.
The notification jointly signed by Medovi Rhi, President of NSF and Temjentoshi, Education Secretary of NSF stated, “The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), as the apex students’ body of the Nagas, hereby issues this notification calling for an emergency protest in strong objection to the candidature of non-indigenous candidates of Nagaland state under the Nagaland State Quota for NEET 2025 admissions. The Nagaland State Quota is strictly and exclusively reserved for indigenous Naga candidates, as per existing policies and constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes.”
The NSF firmly asserts that permitting such ineligible candidature would:
Deprive deserving indigenous Naga students of their rightful opportunities.
Set a dangerous precedent for misuse of temporary postings and affiliations.
Undermine the very spirit and intent of the State Quota policy.
“All federating units and sub-ordinate bodies of NSF are hereby directed to send 10 volunteers each at NSF Oking, Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, by 11:00 AM on 19th August 2025, from where necessary proceedings shall be initiated” added the notification.
“All concerned citizens of Nagaland are earnestly appealed to join the protest and stand united in defence of the rights of the indigenous Naga people. The Federation reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguard the rights and privileges meant for indigenous Nagas. Any attempt to dilute or misuse these provisions shall be met with resolute opposition” added the notification.
The student body on 15 August 2025 had written to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, objecting to the candidature of Ms. Vatsala Panghal for NEET 2025 Nagaland State Quota.
“We write to bring to your urgent attention a matter of serious concern regarding the candidature of Ms. Vatsala Panghal under the Nagaland State Quota for NEET 2025 admissions. While the candidate has listed an address in Kohima owing to her father’s current posting, it is an established fact that her domicile and state belonging is Haryana. She is not indigenous to Nagaland and does not belong to any recognized Scheduled Tribe of the State. The State Quota for professional courses is exclusively reserved for candidates who are Nagas by blood and indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, as mandated under existing policies and in keeping with the constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes in the State” stated NSF.
The NSF has consistently opposed and prevented instances where non-indigenous individuals attempt to claim these limited and highly competitive seats through temporary postings, forged affiliations, or misinterpretations of eligibility.
Any candidate failing to prove their eligibility beyond doubt must be declared ineligible immediately. In light of the above, the NSF strongly urges your good office to:
1. Disqualify Ms. Vatsala Panghal from consideration under the Nagaland State Quota for NEET 2025.
2. Direct the concerned authorities to tighten verification processes to prevent future attempts by non-indigenous candidates.
“Allowing such ineligible candidature would set a dangerous precedent, depriving deserving indigenous Naga students of their rightful opportunities and eroding the very essence of the State Quota policy” warned NSF.
