Shillong, Nov 6: Tensions at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) reached new heights as students intensified their protests against Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla. An indefinite hunger strike, organized by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU Unit, is underway outside the Vice Chancellor’s office.
Their demands include the resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, along with Registrar Omkar Singh and Deputy Registrar Amit Gupta, whom they have labelled as “errant, irresponsible, and inefficient.”
Accusing the Vice Chancellor of “misuse of power” and favoritism, the students argue that Prof. Shukla has neglected their grievances since his appointment two years ago. “The administration is not competent or capable of managing the university,” said Rudolf Carey Chyne from KSU NEHU Unit. He explained that despite submitting multiple memorandums, including one with a November 4 deadline, “the Vice Chancellor was not willing to fulfill our demands, so we decided he must step down, or we will seek intervention from higher authorities.”
General Secretary of KSU NEHU Unit, Kevin Nelson Wanrap, stated, “Our main motive for this hunger strike is to remove the Vice Chancellor. He has been favoring certain officials and ignoring student issues.” Wanrap further alleged that Prof. Shukla appointed officials based on favoritism, particularly the Registrar and Deputy Registrar.
Finance Secretary of NEHUSU, Ymphaidein Sutong, reiterated the demands, stating, “We are asking for the Vice Chancellor to resign, along with the Registrar and Deputy Registrar. We are also calling for the appointment of a Pro-Vice Chancellor at both the Shillong and Tura campuses.”
The protestors have also raised demands for better campus amenities, including reduced hostel fees, reliable water supply, WiFi, and ambulance services. Students have displayed banners near the Vice Chancellor’s office with slogans such as “No More Delays, Vice Chancellor Must Go” and “We Demand Fairness, Not Abuse of Power,” reflecting growing frustration with the administration.
The hunger strike has seen participation from a broad spectrum of NEHU’s community, including support from the NEHU Assam Students Association. The students have vowed to continue their protest until their demands for the resignation of the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Deputy Registrar are met.
This recent student-led agitation follows an indefinite strike launched by the NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA) over delays in recruitment for advertised positions. According to NEHUNSA, repeated calls to expedite the recruitment process have been ignored by the administration.
The NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has also voiced support for NEHUSU’s demands. In a general body meeting on November 1, NEHUTA called for the removal of Registrar Omkar Singh and Deputy Registrar Amit Gupta, condemning them as “errant, irresponsible, and inefficient.” Additionally, the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association (MeTTA) has expressed solidarity with the protesting students.
These united protests from NEHU’s student, non-teaching, and teaching communities reflect deep-seated dissatisfaction with Prof. Shukla’s leadership. The protesters have accused the Vice Chancellor of rule violations and actions that compromise the university’s welfare, contributing to a tense and turbulent atmosphere on campus
NEHU in Turmoil: Students Hold Indefinite Hunger Strike, Demand Removal of Vice Chancellor and Senior Officials
