Trouble in NEHU Escalates: Students Lock University Gates, Burn Effigy of VC

The protest has gained support from the NEHU Teachers' Association (NEHUTA) and the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers' Association (MeTTA)

The North East Hill University premises has turned into a massive protest ground as thousands of students gathered for the second day today and continued their agitation demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Registrar Omkar Singh, and Deputy Registrar Amit Gupta.

Students shouted ‘Step Down VC’ slogans as they clapped and burnt the effigy of VC Shukla who yesterday, made it clear that he is not stepping down. Students’ hunger strike entered its second day today.
Though VC Shukla met the protesting students today and sought more time to address their concerns, the agitating students refused to accept his offer. As such, the standoff between the Vice Chancellor and the students continue. Classes have been suspended and students have locked the gates of the University.

The protest is led by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU Unit

The students are pressing for significant improvements in campus facilities, including the appointment of a pro-vice chancellor for the Tura campus, reduced hostel fees, clean drinking water, improved WiFi, and a dedicated ambulance service.

The protest has gained support from the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) and the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association (MeTTA), who have expressed solidarity with the students’ demands and condemned the administration’s alleged failings.

Vice Chancellor Shukla tried to reach out to NEHU Students’ Union President through a letter, urging an end to the protests to restore peace on campus. “First of all, I understand that certain issues have been raised against the Registrar and Deputy Registrar by the students, calling for their removal. The university has established rules and regulations to address such matters, and as Vice Chancellor, my responsibility is to uphold these standards in accordance with constitutional provisions,” the letter read.

The Vice Chancellor added that an inquiry report is currently being reviewed, and “appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.” Prof. Shukla also stated that he agrees “in principle” to appoint pro-vice chancellors for NEHU’s Tura and Shillong campuses to enhance administration, with a commitment to finalize these appointments by November 30, 2024.

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