SHILLONG, Nov 9: Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar voiced serious concerns over the ongoing protests at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), which have been marked by an indefinite hunger strike, leaving several students hospitalized. The protests, led by the North Eastern Hill University Students Union (NEHUSU) with support from the Khasi Students Union (KSU-NEHU Unit), have disrupted university operations, with students demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Prof. PS Shukla, along with the registrar and deputy registrar.
In a meeting with the NEHU teachers’ delegation from NEHUTA and MeTTA at Raj Bhavan, the Governor was briefed on the situation and acknowledged the severity of the hunger strike, which had already caused illness among students. The faculty highlighted the administrative issues plaguing NEHU and called for a collective approach to resolve the challenges facing both the academic and administrative systems of the university.
As the Chief Rector of NEHU, the Governor assured the faculty that he would facilitate talks with the Vice Chancellor and relevant state authorities to address the concerns. He asked the teaching bodies to submit a detailed proposal outlining both immediate and long-term solutions to the ongoing problems.
The Governor emphasized the importance of ensuring NEHU operates efficiently for the welfare of its students and the academic community. He appealed to the teachers to help convey his message to the student protesters, urging them to end their hunger strike and assuring them that necessary steps would be taken to resolve the crisis. Governor Vijayashankar called for cooperation from all involved parties to find lasting solutions for NEHU’s betterment, promising his full support in restoring the university’s smooth functioning.
