Protesters move President seeking removal of ‘absent’ VC
Shillong, Nov 12: Ouster of the vice-chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has become the primary demand of the ongoing protests that have gained momentum with more and more organisations lending support to the students’ agitation.
The NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU unit, which are spearheading the ongoing hunger strike for past seven days, sent a petition to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, seeking immediate removal of the incumbent VC Prof PS Shukla for allegedly failing to address the ongoing crisis in the university.
The letter stated that the VC was allegedly absent from his duty amid the indefinite hunger strike at the university.
“It has been seven days (146 hours) since the commencement of the hunger strike, and despite this prolonged period of student protest, the VC has failed to fulfil his responsibilities. The absence of the VC, without any prior notice or information, is a serious concern and reflects poorly on his leadership and his ability to address the ongoing crisis,” stated the petition.
“Instead of actively engaging in resolving the issues related to the hunger strike, the VC’s failure to respond or even be present on campus highlights his inability to effectively manage the situation,” it said.
The protesters, who initially had demanded for removal of the registrar and deputy registrar alleging “irregularities” in their appointment, now sought removal of the VC himself as they “no longer feel that the VC is fit to lead the university”.
“His incompetence, lack of responsiveness, and apparent disregard for the welfare of the students have severely impacted the credibility of the institution,” they said.
Meanwhile, the student bodies informed that the indefinite hunger strike had taken severe toll on the health of the protesting students.
“Several of them have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health condition, including seizure and dangerously low level of blood pressure and blood sugar,” the said.
Blaming the VC further for their condition, they alleged that the VC was not only absent but there lack of communication about when would he return, leaving the protesting students’ lives in jeopardy.
KSU NEHU unit vice-president Cecilia Pyngrope was rushed to the hospital after her health deteriorated on Monday.
She is among the nine students hospitalised so far. Four of them have been discharged and they joined back hunger strike.
Meanwhile, the student bodies alleged that alleged absence of the VC had created a leadership vacuum and that no interim measures have been taken to ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming undergraduate examinations.
It has not only affected the NEHU students but those studying in the affiliated colleges, they pointed out.
They also alleged that the VC had “history of being absent or unresponsive” at during times of crisis, leaving the student community frustrated.
Meanwhile, NEHU authorities on Sunday lodged an FIR in connection with the vandalism at the VC’s official residence and his vehicle on Saturday night.
Additional police forces were deployed in the university campus in view of the heightened tension in the university.
