What’s Ailing NE Universities? Students of 2 Universities Sit On Indefinite Hunger Strike

Students of Sikkim University and North East Hill University (NEHU) in Meghalaya are sitting on indefinite hunger strikes

Not all is well in the universities of Northeast. Students of Sikkim University and North East Hill University (NEHU) in Meghalaya are sitting on indefinite hunger strikes, protesting mismanagement by Vice Chancellors, unresolved student issues and administrative failures. Students of both the Universities have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.

The students of Sikkim University have cited several unresolved issues, including demands for administrative accountability, enhanced safety measures, and protection of their democratic rights. This protest follows a recent tragic incident of the death of a student in October 18.

Among the students’ primary demands is the reconstitution of the Fact-Finding Committee. They argue that the existing committee has inadequately addressed concerns regarding the recent death on campus and that a fresh, independent inquiry is necessary to ensure accountability and meaningful reforms.

Jasiel Sethling Yakthungba, a third-semester International Relations student said, “The fact-finding committee is completely administratively biased. There is no faculty member from our own department included. We demand a new fact-finding committee. This was a serious oversight on the part of the university. There was also negligence in the medical facilities.”

Meanwhile, at NEHU, the students’ hunger strike entered the third day today. A seven-member delegation of NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) and Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association (MeTTA) met Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayshankar earlier today to discuss students’ demands, including the removal of NEHU Vice Chancellor P.S. Shukla and the urgent need to address the tense atmosphere on campus.

The governor’s meeting with NEHUTA and MeTTA lasted nearly an hour, during which he assured the seven-member delegation that he would engage with all stakeholders over the next week to seek a viable resolution.

Yesterday, the students burnt the effigy of the VC and the gates of the University have been locked, classes remained suspended for the second day today.

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 demands of the students have been supported by the NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) and the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association (MeTTA).

Last year, the Bodoland University in Assam saw massive protests from students, organisations and civil society organisations seeking removal of the then VC of the university on charges of corruption.

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