Shillong, April 26: The Assam University Students’ Union (AUSU) has strongly condemned the recent assault on Dr. Alok Kumar Singh, a faculty member from the Department of Hindi at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), calling the attack a direct blow to academic freedom, safety, and the integrity of educational institutions in the North-East.
In a statement issued by AUSU, the union expressed outrage over the assault, particularly noting that the attack was allegedly perpetrated by the President of the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU). AUSU described the incident as an “attempt to murder” and denounced it in the strongest terms, stating that such actions tarnish the image of student unions in the region.
“Universities are recognized for high standards and quality education to the rural youth from the various parts of North- East India and student’s union must play a role model for them,” the statement read.
AUSU has demanded that the culprits be apprehended and prosecuted without delay under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It has extended solidarity with the NEHU fraternity during this period of anguish and distress, and cautioned that attempts to destabilize the academic system to implement the NEP 2020 shall not be allowed and that law and order shall be maintained in academic institutions.
“AUSU is with the NEHU fraternity during this phase of anguish and distress. AUSU demands from the authorities, whether State Government or NEHU Administration, that in no way such attempt to destabilize the academic system to implement the NEP 2020 shall be allowed and law and order shall be maintained in academic institutions,” the statement said.
The students’ union further warned that failure to take timely and decisive action would compel them to pursue “the next course of appropriate action” to protect and restore the academic environment at NEHU.
