Agartala, February 5, 2026: A severe shortage of teaching staff triggered protests at Kamalnagar Higher Secondary School under Sonamura subdivision on Thursday, as students locked the school gates and blocked the adjoining road, demanding the immediate appointment of teachers ahead of their board examinations.

According to the protesting students, six teachers have been transferred from the school over the last six months, but the Education Department has failed to post replacements. With secondary and higher secondary examinations scheduled to commence from February 17, students said the lack of faculty has left them ill-prepared and anxious about their academic future.

Students alleged that several subjects have gone untaught for months, including English, seriously affecting syllabus completion. They claimed that repeated written representations to the school authorities and education officials yielded no response, forcing them to resort to agitation.

The protestors warned that they may be compelled to boycott the upcoming examinations if the staffing crisis is not resolved immediately. They expressed apprehension of poor performance or failure due to the absence of regular classes in key subjects.

During the demonstration, students also voiced resentment against the District Education Officer, alleging insensitivity to their situation. The officer’s brief interaction at the protest site reportedly further fueled anger among students.

The agitation drew the attention of parents and local residents, who expressed concern that the academic careers of hundreds of students could be jeopardized. They urged the Education Department to intervene without delay and ensure adequate teaching staff at the institution.

The Kamalnagar protest has once again brought to the fore the persistent issue of teacher shortages in rural schools, particularly at a critical time when board examinations are approaching.