Meghalaya: NEHU VC Requests Centre to Ensure Security for Safe Campus Return

SHILLONG: Prabha Shankar Shukla, the vice-chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Meghalaya, is now on leave and has asked the central government to provide sufficient protection so that he may return to the university on December 2.

In addition, Shukla asked the Centre to act immediately in order to resolve the concerning circumstances at the university.

VC Shukla wrote to the Higher Education Principal Secretary, saying, “In light of the prevailing conditions on the NEHU campus, I kindly request adequate security support from the Central Government, as the security provided by the State Government has been insufficient. This deployment will not only ensure my safety but will also contribute to the overall security of the NEHU campus and its employees.”

He added that since October 25, there have been significant disturbances on campus due to the continuous demonstrations by the NEHU Teachers' Association (NEHUTA) and Students' Union (NEHUSU), led by Prof. Lakhon Kma.

He said, “NEHUTA created a hooligan just before the start of the 113th meeting of the Academic Council on 25th Oct 2024, thereby not allowing the meeting of the Academic Council. After that, they forcefully entered the office of Registrar and Dy. Registrar thrashed them out and locked their respective offices. They also entered forcefully into the office of the VC, threatening me with the demand for immediate termination of the Registrar and Dy. Registrar.”

“None of the group has given me any representation/complaint in writing to explain the reason for the removal of both officers. Nevertheless, I tried to explain the official procedures to them and assured them that I would initiate appropriate action to resolve the matter and deflate the situation,” he further added. 

In response to their request, the VC stated that he has likewise designated a Pro-VC for every NEHU campus.

His letter stated, “Despite my best efforts to meet and discuss and come to a solution, NEHUSU and NEHUTA escalated the agitation in the form of a hunger strike in front of the VC office, and blocked all the entrance gates of the University.”

“I informed the local administration about the events, including the DC and SP, along with the DGP and Chief Secretary of the State, and sought their help in ensuring the safety of the NEHU campus. Despite that, the two Associations assaulted me and threatened me by attacking my official residence,” he added.

According to him, NEHU is at a "standstill" as a result of the turmoil caused by both the associations. Workers who feel uncomfortable are unable to carry out their responsibilities, which disrupts the institution's operations and fosters a culture of dread.

“It has come to my attention that certain miscreants from various associations of the university, through the in charge vice chancellor, are unlawfully managing campus operations, daily life, and issuing unauthorized orders and circulars,” he added. 

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