The indefinite hunger strike at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) entered its 14th day on Monday, intensifying demands for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla.
The strike, spearheaded by the North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the university’s Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) unit, has compelled university authorities to consider deferring Postgraduate (PG) and Professional courses examinations to February next year, following the winter break.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nirmalendu Saha, acknowledged the disruption caused by the agitation, with classes suspended for two weeks.
“It is unlikely that we will hold examinations in December considering the current situation,” he remarked, adding that an urgent meeting of the Academic Council would finalise a revised academic calendar.
Prof Saha emphasised his focus on restoring normalcy at NEHU.
“Upon taking charge, my immediate priority has been the well-being of our students, who are the heart and soul of NEHU. I have interacted with the students on several occasions, expressing deep concern for their health and well-being, especially in light of the hunger strike. Despite my best efforts to convince them to call off their strike, I remain hopeful that through dialogue and mutual understanding, a resolution can soon be reached,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor in charge revealed that extensive consultations with NEHUSU, the North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), and the North-Eastern Hill University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) have borne partial fruit, with NEHUNSA agreeing to permit the resumption of certain essential administrative functions.
“This critical step ensures that scholarships are processed and that academic activities continue without disruption,” he said.
NEHU’s Chief Medical Officer in charge, Dr Carol Mukhim, issued an impassioned appeal to the students to end their strike, citing deteriorating health conditions.
“The students cannot continue with the indefinite hunger strike since one after another are being admitted to the hospital. NEHUSU president Sandy Sohtun, who was discharged from the hospital, is still in critical condition since he refuses to eat despite being under medication. I would appeal to the state government to do something to fulfil their demands. I fear that something regrettable would happen if the students do not end their hunger strike,” Mukhim said.
Dr Mukhim proposed a temporary cessation of the hunger strike, stating that protests could resume if the two-member committee’s report proved unsatisfactory.
“Fifteen students are fasting, and at least one of them is shifted to the hospital every day,” she added.
Earlier in the day, representatives of the Mawlai Town Dorbar (MTD) met with the protesting students on campus to appeal for an end to their strike.
However, the students were adamant, maintaining that only an assurance of Prof Shukla’s removal would prompt them to call off their agitation.
MTD president Herlambok War affirmed the Dorbar’s staunch opposition to the Vice-Chancellor’s continuation.
“The Dorbar will not allow the incumbent VC to enter the university campus,” he stated unequivocally.
With NEHU’s administrative and academic machinery paralysed, the unfolding crisis continues to attract widespread concern and appeals for resolution.
Follow us
