SHILLONG, Nov 14: The ongoing crisis at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) escalated on Thursday as students and teachers rejected the recent appointments of two Pro Vice Chancellors (Pro VCs) by Vice Chancellor (VC) Shukla, calling them “illegitimate.” This move comes amid a growing protest, with students staging an indefinite hunger strike that entered its 10th day.
On Wednesday night, VC Shukla appointed Prof. Sherwin May Sungoh from the Department of Education as Pro VC for the Shillong campus, and Prof. Fameline K. Marak from the Department of Garo as Pro VC for the Tura campus. Although these appointments are pending approval from the Executive Council (EC), the VC has stated that it is merely a formality and their appointments are essentially final.
However, the agitating students, under the banner of the North Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU), along with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU – NEHU Unit) and the North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA), have vehemently opposed these appointments. They argue that the appointments violate technical rules and procedures. The students, who have been on hunger strike since November 5, are demanding the resignation of VC Shukla and the removal of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar due to alleged administrative mismanagement and incompetence.
NEHUSU General Secretary Toniho Kharsati expressed strong disapproval of the VC’s actions. “We do not welcome the decision, and we condemn the appointment of the Pro Vice Chancellors. Our sole demand is the removal of the VC. We were expecting a favorable response from the VC, especially after the Chief Minister’s statement, but instead of addressing our concerns, the VC has appointed Pro VCs, which we do not accept,” he said.
The students have also locked the campus since November 6, severely restricting access to the university, as part of their protest against the current administration. The crisis at NEHU continues to deepen, with the administration under intense scrutiny and the situation remaining unresolved.
