NEHU VC Alleges Assault, Urges Centre to Deploy Central Forces in University Campus

Professor Shukla attributed the ongoing crisis to disruptions allegedly orchestrated by the NEHUSU and NEHUTA.

Embattled North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabha Shankar Shukla has said that he was assaulted by members of NEHU Students Union (NEHUSU) and NEHU Teachers Association (NEHUTA), and requested additional security support from the Central Government, citing insufficient protection from state authorities.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education in response to four queries raised by the Ministry on November 23, the Vice-Chancellor alleged that members of both NEHUSU and NEHUTA forcefully entered the offices of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, assaulted them, and locked their offices. Shukla disclosed that he was threatened with demands to immediately terminate the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, but no formal complaints or justifications for their removal were presented. He asserted that despite his efforts to mediate and resolve the situation, the groups resorted to blocking the university gates and staging hunger strikes outside his office.

In his account, Professor Shukla attributed the ongoing crisis to disruptions allegedly orchestrated by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA). According to the VC, the trouble began on October 25, when NEHUSU, backed by NEHUTA, disrupted the university’s 113th Academic Council meeting, leading to its suspension. He further claimed that NEHUTA created a “hooligan atmosphere” on campus, escalating the unrest.

Professor Shukla further alleged that the agitation turned violent, with members of the associations threatening him and attacking his official residence. In a bid to ensure safety on campus, the VC informed authorities, including the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the District Commissioner, but said the state security arrangements have proven inadequate.

Professor Shukla also requested additional security support from the Central Government, citing insufficient protection from state authorities. He announced his intention to resume his duties as Vice-Chancellor on December 2. VC Shukla had gone on leave just when the Union Education Department announced a 2-member probe committee to investigate the allegations levelled against him by NEHUTA and NEHUSA.

The two-page letter also highlights the complete standstill in NEHU’s functioning due to the agitation. Shukla accused the associations of preventing university employees from performing their duties, leading to widespread fear and operational paralysis. The Vice-Chancellor expressed concern over “miscreants” from the associations unlawfully managing campus operations and issuing unauthorized orders through the acting Vice-Chancellor.

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