Kohima, Aug. 11: The faculty, staff and students of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu, the oldest technical institute in Nagaland, today held a rally against extortion demands by militants of the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).

Atoizu is under Zunheboto district of Nagaland.

On Friday night, four persons, two of them women, barged into the residence of principal M. Nakro and demanded Rs 1.5 lakh. When he refused, he was assaulted at gunpoint. The militants also fired in the air before leaving the place.

The subdivisional officer (civil), Atoizu, Phuleshe Sumi, who was also present at the rally, said two of the culprits had been arrested by Zunheboto police and two were absconding.

Students said there had been several incidents in the past when militants disturbed the smooth running of the institute and demanded their immediate arrest. They said they would go all out till the government assured them of a peaceful environment.

The incident took place at a time the government is contemplating to upgrade the institute into a full-fledged engineering college. The institute has also been facing other problems, including lack of infrastructure and shortage of teaching staff. "The incident has not only demoralised Nakro but also disheartened the staff of the entire institute," a student said. The principal has lodged a police complaint seeking protection.

"The faculty, staff and students have urged the authorities to resolve this matter by booking the culprits and deliver justice at the earliest, failing which we will be forced to take action," another student warned.

The SDO said armed police would be deployed as soon as possible. He said Sumi apex organisations of Zunheboto are yet to react to the incident. The student groups include Naga Students' Federation and the All Nagaland College Students' Union.