NEIGRIHMS seeks central armed forces deployment after security breach by HYC

Shillong, April 22: The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) has sought immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel following a security breach arising out of a recent protest staged by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) over the demand for implementation of 80:20 female-male ratio in the recruitment of nursing officers in the institute.

In a letter to the Joint Secretary (H-III) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday, Deputy Director (Admin) NEIGRIHMS Pawan Deep said, “To enhance safety and ensure the smooth functioning of the Institute, it is urgently requested that, in addition to existing security measures, an adequate number of CAPF personnel be deployed at strategic and vulnerable points within the Institute. The deployment of CAPF personnel will significantly bolster security measures, deter potential threats, and provide effective management of similar situations. Given the urgency of the matter, your immediate consideration for the deployment of CAPF personnel to safeguard the Institute is highly requested.”

The NEIGRIHMS in its letter to the ministry on April 9 had mentioned the appointment of nursing officers in NEIGRIHMS with a ratio of 80:20 (female:male).

In the said letter, it was informed that the Institute had received grievances from two local organizations, namely Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) and Khasi Students Union (KSU).

The HYC submitted their representation opposing the Institute’s advertisement dated January 22, 2025 vide letter dated March 24, 2025.

The HYC had given a 7-day notice to the Institute. However, due to the financial year-end procedures, closed holidays, and the time required to compile information along with relevant supporting documents, the draft reply was prepared and finalized for approval only by April 4, 2025. The reply was provided to HYC on April 4, 2025 itself.

On April 4, 2025, members of the HYC along with a mob of approximately 50-100 individuals forcibly entered the administrative block of the Institute, raised slogans and compelled staff to vacate their offices.

“Their entry was unexpected, and they were informed that it was restricted without prior appointment. Despite the efforts of security personnel to prevent unauthorized access, members of the HYC overpowered the guards and forcefully entered the premises with the intent to meet the Director, disregarding the instructions of the security guards,” the deputy director (Admin) stated in the letter.

“Additionally, they forcibly entered the Director’s office, asked the Director to step out and meet them outside the building, locked the entrance of the Administrative Block, and attempted to lock the main entrance of the building. They proceeded to various sections within the building, demanding the staff vacate their offices,” he added.

An FIR has been lodged against HYC. The Chief Security Officer vide letter dated April 8, 2025 reported that this is not an isolated incident. Similar disturbances involving the same organization and others have occurred previously.

“Additionally, comparable incidents have been reported in other central institutions and establishments within the state, highlighting a concerning trend of security threats,” Pawan stated.

Further, the deputy director also mentioned that the majority of the Institute’s current security personnel are contracted from an outsourcing agency; they are unarmed and lack specialized training to effectively handle such high-risk situations. “This leaves the Institute vulnerable, posing significant risks to the safety of staff, officers, visitors and institute property,” he opined.

When contacted, NEIGRIHMS director Dr N Mehta said, “I shall confirm this tomorrow morning after confirming that this letter has been sent.”

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