Bodoland Students’ Union (BSU) indefinite stir gains momentum at Bodoland University

KOKRAJHAR, Sept 27: The indefinite strike by the Bodoland Students’ Union (BSU) in front of the Bodoland University (BU) demanding appointment of acting Vice-Chancellor (VC) and immediate appointment of permanent VC, that began on September 20, gained momentum as different student organizations have joined the strike. The classes of the university have been affected since September 20 due to strike of the students.

The Bodoland University Students’ Association (BUSA) and All Bodoland Minority Students’ Union (ABMSU) have also joined the indefinite strike of the BSU that entered the eight day on Thursday. Leaders of various organizations, including academicians like Dr. Mangalsing Hazoary, retired Principal of Government CTE, Kokrajhar, and retired Professor of Kokrajhar College, R. Rai Choudhury also joined the strike for deliberation. Students of Kokrajhar Government College, Aronai College, St. Ann’s College, Kokrajhar Commerce College, Kokrajhar Science College and students of different schools have also joined the strike.

Talking to mediapersons, the president of the BSU, Swgwmsar Basumatary said that though the indefinite strike had entered the eight day, there was no response from the Government of Assam to appoint an acting VC in the university. He said that memorandum had already been submitted to the government and the Chancellor of the university for taking immediate measures to appoint acting VC. He also alleged the VC of BU, who retired recently, was still holding the post as in-charge, did nothing for the development of the university during his long tenure.

Meanwhile, a three-member inquiry committee headed by Prof TB Chubba, Manipal University, Sikkim, will arrive at BU on Friday morning to enquire into certain complaints forwarded by VC (I/C) Prof. Hemanta Baruah. BSU president Swgwmsar Basumatary, however, warned that they would not allow the members of the inquiry committee to enter the university complex. He said they wanted fulfilment of their demand in the first place.

On the other hand, the secretary of Adivasi National Coordination Committee (ANCC), Birsing Munda, while participating in the strike on Thursday, said the BU was set up in Kokrajhar after the Bodoland movement and it was not just for the Bodos but for all communities to pursue higher education. He also said the ANCC would extend support to the BSU till their demand was fulfilled. Former general secretary of All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AGSU), Nandalal Magar also joined the strike on Thursday.