Shillong, Nov 28: The Vice Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, has made an urgent appeal to the Central Government to address the escalating unrest in the university campus. He has also sought security to enable his return to the university on December 2.
In a detailed letter to the Principal Secretary of Higher Education, Prof. Shukla outlined the severe disruptions caused by ongoing protests led by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), under the leadership of Prof. Lakhon Kma.
The unrest, which began on October 25, 2024, has crippled university operations. Prof. Shukla reported that NEHUTA disrupted the 113th Academic Council meeting, stormed key administrative offices, and forcibly removed officials before locking their offices. Protesters have also targeted the Vice Chancellor’s office, issuing threats and demanding the dismissal of top university officials.
Despite the absence of formal complaints, Prof. Shukla expressed willingness to address concerns through official channels. In a bid to stabilize the university, he appointed Pro-Vice Chancellors for each campus as per the NEHU Act of 1973. However, protests intensified with hunger strikes, blockades, and alleged physical threats against the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Shukla has sought assistance from local authorities, but security measures have failed to restore normalcy. In his letter, he described the situation as dire, stating, “The functioning of NEHU has come to a complete standstill. University employees are unable to perform their duties due to fear and insecurity.” He also alleged unauthorized individuals had taken control of operations and were issuing illegitimate orders.
As his leave concludes on November 29, Prof. Shukla has requested Central Government security to ensure his safe return on December 2. His letter included a detailed chronology of events and responses to Ministry of Education’s queries.
State Government’s Response
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently acknowledged the crisis, pledging the state government’s support to stabilize NEHU. While emphasizing that NEHU, being a Central university, typically operates independently, Sangma said the state steps in when requested to protect academic progress and the future of students.
Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh further stressed the need for consultation between the Central and state governments on key appointments, particularly the Vice Chancellor, to avoid future conflicts.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Education’s two-member probe committee has completed its investigation into allegations of irregularities against the top administration of the university including Prof. Shukla, with the report scheduled to be submitted to the Ministry on Novembert 29. NEHUSU and NEHUTA have already declared him persona non grata, further complicating the situation.
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