Protests, tensions, and confrontations have recently gripped the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as students push back against perceived mismanagement by university leadership. The situation escalated significantly when faculty members and students came together, leading to widespread demonstrations, including hunger strikes and vandalism.
On November 11, 2024, reports surged of increasing unrest among NEHU students following the mysterious disappearance of Vice Chancellor Prof P S Shukla. He had not been seen for over 15 hours, and the situation turned chaotic when his residence was vandalized by unidentified individuals. This act of vandalism included the destruction of vehicles, window panes, and kitchen utensils, as well as disabling CCTV cameras on the premises.
Acting Registrar B. Rynjah confirmed the filing of a police report following the vandalism, asserting the need to bolster security around the Vice Chancellor's home. Meanwhile, local district officials, led by police Superintendent Dara Ashwaghosh, were dispatched to assess the damage and keep the situation from spiraling out of control.
When confronted about the vandalism, Vice Chancellor Shukla informed media sources he narrowly escaped injury during the attack but refused to disclose his current location. His absence seemed to highlight the gravity of the situation, leaving students feeling more alienated from university leadership.
The protests began as students demanded Shukla's resignation and accountability for what they label chaotic mismanagement at NEHU. A hunger strike initiated by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) stretched on for six days, reflecting the deep dissatisfaction with the administration. Despite pleas for dialogue—including attempts made by Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar—the students have remained steadfast, insisting on action before they will agree to end their strike.
The unrest has garnered additional solidarity from various academic and student groups, including NEHU's research scholars who joined the protests, showcasing the widespread discontent within the university community. They collectively organized marches, originating from the Science Cluster of NEHU and culminating at the Administrative Block, where students have staged their hunger strikes.
Concurrently, tensions escalated following the vandalism incident. Many speculate about the motives behind these actions, particularly the fear and frustration felt by students as they navigate the climate of unrest. Research Scholars Forum NEHU president Superior Syngkli emphasized their endorsement of the student protests and highlighted Shukla's continued absence from the university as indicative of poor leadership.
Calls for change echoed throughout the university's grounds as individuals from various walks of life—including students from nearby educational institutions and NGOs—joined the protests. The energy intensified as demonstrators sought to end their hunger strike only when their demands were honored.
What began as isolated grievances about administrative issues has morphed, enveloping the campus in waves of unrest, with the fate of NEHU's leadership hanging precariously. The entire situation raises more questions about university governance and the necessity of responsive leadership to student concerns.
The escalated protests also signify growing unrest among the academic community as teachers from NEHUTA (North-Eastern Hill University Teachers' Association) rallied to support their students. They temporarily halted classes, pushing the institution to reflect on the pressing matters raised by its student body.
The NEHU situation is not merely about one individual; it's emblematic of broader student frustrations with administrative practices. With both students and faculty allied against the backdrop of the university's operational struggles, NEHU now faces mounting pressure to initiate serious dialogue and reform its governance practices.
Students remain resolute, with their hunger strike acting as both protest and demand for accountability. The rising tide of support from scholars and the faculty reflects the unmet needs and unaddressed challenges within the university, making it abundantly clear: they want changes now, not later.
