An indefinite agitation over a prolonged shortage of teachers and non-teaching staff has led to the sealing of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Sungro, in Nagaland's Wokha district. Students and community organisations launched the protest on November 2, demanding immediate intervention from the authorities.

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The agitation brought together student bodies and village councils from Pangti, Okotso, Sungro, Old and New Aree, Yanthamo and Asha villages. Protesters alleged that repeated appeals to the government and the concerned education department had failed to resolve the staffing crisis.

According to the organisations, several teaching positions have remained vacant since 2022 following the retirement and death of teachers. The school is reportedly without language teachers, a physical education teacher and a lower division assistant. Shortages in the lower section have also affected classroom activities, with one mathematics teacher handling classes after another was transferred without replacement.

The organisations further claimed that teachers proceeding on maternity leave had not been provided with substitutes, adding to the academic difficulties. Students have reportedly faced disruptions in completing their prescribed syllabus, particularly in subjects without regular teachers.

The protesters also expressed dissatisfaction with a departmental order issued on October 29, stating that it did not include any teacher for GHSS Sungro despite earlier assurances.

Community representatives said the shortage had affected students' academic progress and called for appropriate consideration for those appearing in examinations without completing their syllabus.

The joint organisations have warned that the agitation will continue and the school will remain sealed until the department provides a written assurance and takes steps to fill the vacant teaching and non-teaching posts.