Assam: Civil Society Group Writes To PM Modi Over USTM Chancellor’s Arrest

GUWAHATI: A civil society group of eminent Muslims wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, expressing grave concern over the arrest of the chancellor of the private educational institution University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), and urged him to ensure justice in the matter.

Mahbabul Hoque, the chancellor of USTM, was arrested from his Guwahati residence in the early hours of Saturday, police said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had claimed that he was allegedly involved in a network that lured students with the assurance of high marks through “fraud means.”

“This arrest of a respected, non-political citizen and his prolonged incarceration have been aimed at demoralizing a section of progressive members of society. It prevents efforts by enlightened citizens to strive towards establishing modern secular institutions of higher learning and medical facilities,” the letter signed by former chief election commissioner S. Y. Quraishi, former Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, former Aligarh Muslim University vice chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah, former MP Shahid Siddiqui, and industrialist Saeed Sherwani said.

"This is pure vendetta, and we are confident that you will give directions for redressal," the civil society group 'Citizens for Fraternity' said.

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