• NET Web Desk

The Nagaland Assembly Secretariat Staff Association (NASSA) and Joint Action Committee (JAC) have resumed indefinite stir from Tuesday, demanding that P J Antony, a retired officer, be removed from his position as the chief secretary of assembly secretariat.

As the state administration failed to respond to the demands, the NASSA along with JAC decided to resume their indefinite agitation, which began from today.

In its earlier meeting on June 15, the Committee had requested NASSA/JAC to cease its agitation and continue its work, while assuring that the Committee will investigate the matter as soon as possible. Following the assurance, NASSA decided to put their protest on hold for three days : June 17, 18, and 20.

NASSA/JAC, on the other hand, expressed disappointment that the committee had not received any clear response from the government until Monday evening.

As a result, NASSA and JAC agreed to continue the agitation until Dr Antony’s appointment as Principal Secretary of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat was rescinded.

They indicated that the form of agitation w nill remain the same, with pen-down strike and wearing black badges.

Meanwhile, the NASSA/JAC’s earlier resolution to prevent Dr Antony’s entry into the Assembly premises will also continue.

NASSA has been protesting the extension of service of Dr Antony, who was brought to NLA as Secretary in January 2020 on deputation for five months from Lok Sabha secretariat.

He retired from service on May 31, 2020, and was given a contractual appointment as Commissioner and Secretary NLA for another two years, which ended on May 31, 2022.

Dr Antony’s service has been further extended, upgrading his post to that of Principal Secretary of the Assembly for another one year on May 25, 2022.