SHILLONG, March 17: Tensions at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) escalated after Vice-Chancellor Prof PS Shukla resumed his duties “online” following an extended leave. The NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), and NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) have jointly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Education, demanding the appointment of an acting vice-chancellor.
The three bodies have threatened to launch protests and ensure that the senior-most faculty member assumes the role of acting VC if the ministry does not meet their deadline. This demand follows the alleged “remote functioning” of Prof Shukla, who has reportedly been absent from the campus for over 130 days. The university bodies also called for the cessation of Shukla’s salary, claiming he had exhausted his leave, and urged the suspension of the registrar and deputy registrar’s pay due to their similar absence.
Prof Lakhon Kma, president of NEHUTA, stated that the university cannot function without a VC physically present, rejecting the idea of virtual leadership. NEHUSU president Sandy Sohtun echoed this sentiment, criticizing Shukla’s attempts to manage the university remotely.
The students have warned of renewed agitation if their concerns are not addressed. They have also threatened to resume hunger strikes, similar to their protest in November 2025, if the ministry fails to take action swiftly. The bodies firmly stated they would not allow Prof Shukla’s return to the campus, demanding his resignation.
