NEHU students continue indefinite hunger strike despite Education Ministry forming probe committee

Shillong, Nov 15: The two student bodies spearheading the protest in the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have decided to continue with the ongoing indefinite hunger strike till the incumbent Vice Chancellor Prof PS Shukla is removed as the head of the university.

The decision was taken despite the Ministry of Education’s order to constitute a two-member committee to inquire into alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within NEHU.

Thursday marked the 10th day of the protest led by the North Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and backed by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU – NEHU Unit).

NEHUSU general secretary Toniho S Kharsati remarked, “We received a notification from the Ministry of Education announcing the formation of a committee to address the issues we’ve raised. However, this decision does not align with the demands of the students. Our hunger strike from day one has focused on the removal of the Vice Chancellor, and we will continue until the government acts decisively on this demand.”

Questioning the composition of the committee, Kharsati said, “It is disappointing that the government has not appointed anyone familiar with NEHU’s unique history and the challenges faced by this university. The presence of a local member would have brought much-needed insight into the university’s and region’s needs.”

The students’ leader further maintained: “Until the government meets our demand to remove the Vice Chancellor, we will persist with this indefinite hunger strike, regardless of any committee formed. Our primary demand remains the resignation of the Vice Chancellor.”

Meanwhile, after 10 days of hunger strike, Sandy Sohtun, president of NEHUSU, has been admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Civil Hospital, Shillong. “His health has severely deteriorated, with blurred vision and other alarming symptoms indicating potential complications in his internal organs. This is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and change,” the union informed.

Earlier, Ibakordor Marweiñ (Asst. GS, KSU NEHU unit), Aibok Nongsteng (Organizing Secretary, KSU NEHU unit), Fricky Marweiñ (Asst. Organizing Secretary, KSU NEHU unit), Robin Nongrem (Asst. Education Secretary, KSU NEHU unit), Ruksarbiya Khonglam (Asst. Hostel Secretary, KSU NEHU unit) were also taken to NEHU health centre after their health deteriorated.

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