Shillong, May 1: The continuing uncertainty at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has sparked fresh concern, with former Education Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) MLA Lahkmen Rymbui urging Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to step in and mediate between the university administration and the Ministry of Education.
Rymbui voiced alarm over the deteriorating state of affairs at the central university, saying, “My concern is that NEHU, as of now, we do not know who is looking after it, in whose interest, and who is benefitting.” He underlined the lack of clarity and leadership within the institution and called for urgent intervention to restore order.
“A stable and peaceful academic environment is essential,” he said. “Any educational institution must have peace, tranquillity, and a cordial relationship between the administration and the teaching community. Only then will the academic atmosphere thrive.”
According to Rymbui, the turmoil at NEHU is not merely an internal issue but one that directly impacts students and the institution’s standing. “This is affecting not only NEHU’s reputation, which can be repaired, but more critically, the academic careers of students,” he said.
He described the situation as one of complete opacity, with students, faculty, and the public left in the dark. “As of now, we don’t know what is happening,” he said, adding that a resolution cannot be delayed any longer.
Calling for decisive leadership, Rymbui stated, “Yes, NEHU is a central university, but it began here. The Chief Minister must take this up with the Ministry of Education and NEHU’s administration. Someone has to step in. This cannot go on.”
His remarks come amid growing discontent among students and faculty over administrative deadlock and governance lapses that threaten to derail NEHU’s academic calendar and damage its institutional credibility.
