Shillong, Nov 12: Amidst the deadlock between NEHU students and the administration, a major development has taken place.
Students under the banner of North Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and backed by the Khasi Students Union (KSU – NEHU Unit) have been on indefinite hunger strike since November 5 and have locked the campus since November 6, severely restricting entry and exit of people into the university campus. The students have been demanding the resignation of the VC and termination of services of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar.
NEHU VC Prof. Prabha S. Shukla has been missing from the campus since Saturday night, the night his official quarter was vandalized by miscreants in the middle of the night. He is currently at an undisclosed located due to security reasons and is said to be safe and sound.
On Tuesday, the indefinite hunger strike reached the 8th day but the stalemate continues.
In the midst of this, sources have informed that VC Shukla is likely to go on leave. The duration of the leave is not yet confirmed but it is likely to be long leave.
At the same time, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday evening. The Union Minister assured to find a resolution to the current turmoil in NEHU.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Chief Minister Sangma wrote: “Received a call from Hon’ble Minister Education @dpradhanbjp, for his assurance to find a resolution to the current issue of NEHU. Would like to thank Hon’ble Governor for his intervention.”
Received a call from Hon’ble Minister Education @dpradhanbjp, for his assurance to find a resolution to the current issue of NEHU.
Would like to thank Hon’ble Governor for his intervention.
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 12, 2024
So far, atleast 9 students have been admitted to hospital over deteriorating health conditions due to their hunger strike.
On Monday, VC Shukla chaired the Executive Council (EC) meeting online to take key decisions that included institution inquiry to be headed by a former judge of retired IAS/IPS officer over the conduct of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar. The other important decision was regarding appointment of Pro VCs for Shillong and Tura campuses, which the VC assured will happen very soon.
