SHILLONG, Nov 12: Despite expectations for his return following his mysterious disappearance, Prof. Prabha S. Shukla, Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), chaired an online Executive Council (EC) meeting on Monday to discuss important decisions.
The meeting came amid ongoing protests by students led by NEHUSU and supported by the KSU-NEHU unit, who have been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 5. Their key demands include the resignation of the VC, removal of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, and the appointment of Pro Vice Chancellors for the Shillong and Tura campuses.
In a conversation with a media outlet , Prof. Shukla confirmed that the EC addressed the students’ concerns. “The decisions made are in favor of the students, especially regarding the Deputy Registrar and Registrar. An inquiry will be conducted following the proper procedure,” he said. Regarding the appointment of Pro VCs, he added, “The process will certainly begin soon.”
Currently staying in an undisclosed location, Prof. Shukla is managing the university’s affairs remotely through Google Meet, emails, and WhatsApp. He appealed to the protesting students to end their hunger strike, stressing that steps were being taken in their interest.
The VC had disappeared on the night of November 9, the same night his official quarters were vandalized, with damages to his car and windows. Police confirmed he wasn’t at the site during the incident, while Prof. Shukla stated he escaped with minor injuries.
