NEHU VC ‘Missing’, Students’ Hunger Strike Enters Day 7, Tension Escalates After VC’s Residence Vandalized

The NEHUTA has expressed solidarity with the student protests by suspending all classes, further emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis.

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) students’ hunger strike entered day six today amid reports of Vice Chancellor Prof P S Shukla ‘missing’ for over 15 hours now.

The situation escalated after the VC’s residence was vandalised on Sunday by unknown persons. Miscreants also damaged a vehicle parked outside his bungalow, the window panes and utensils inside the kitchen, CCTV cameras and an electric pole.

As per reports, CCTV cameras at the Vice Chancellor’s residence in NEHU were not functioning during Sunday’s vandalism. There are also allegations that miscreants had removed the cameras installed behind the VC’s quarter.

Following the incident, NEHU Acting Registrar B. Rynjah filed an FIR at Mawlai Police Station. District administration officials, along with a police team led by SP (City) Dara Aswaghosh, visited NEHU to assess the situation and bolster security around the VC’s residence, however, the VC was not present when they arrived at his quarter.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, VC Shukla said that he has escaped the violence narrowly with minor injuries. However, he refused to disclose his present location.

This incident comes amid an escalating protest by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), which has been staging an indefinite hunger strike for the past 7 days, demanding the resignation of the Vice Chancellor and other top university officials and to take action against alleged mismanagement and other issues under his leadership.

The students, who are resolute in their demands, have refused to end their hunger strike until their grievances are addressed. Despite multiple appeals for dialogue, including one from Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar, the agitating students remain firm, showing no signs of backing down.

On Sunday, in a show of solidarity, NEHU’s research scholars also staged a demonstration on the university campus, joining the protests to call for an immediate resolution to the crisis.

The scholars urged NEHUSU and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at NEHU to join the mass protest in front of the Vice Chancellor’s office today to strengthen the movement and highlight their unity in the cause.

Meanwhile, the North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has expressed solidarity with the student protests by suspending all classes, further emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis.

The ongoing unrest at NEHU has raised concerns about the stability of the institution, as tensions continue to rise between the administration and the student body.

As the hunger strike enters its 6th day, the situation remains tense, with both students and faculty united in their demand for action. The outcome of the standoff remains uncertain, as university officials and the state government continue to face mounting pressure to address the issues raised by the protesters.

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