Standoff in NEHU: Students Start Indefinite Hunger Strike Demanding VC’s Resignation, VC Says Won’t Step Down

VC Prof Shukla said that he has been appointed by the President of India and holds full authority regarding his tenure

Tension in North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong has escalated further after students have launched an indefinite hunger strike outside the Vice Chancellor’s office demanding his resignation while VC Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla has stuck to his stand and refused to step down

Prof Shukla said that he has been appointed by the President of India and holds authority regarding his tenure. He also said that he has communicated the current issues at the University to the Union Education Ministry and dismissed allegations levelled against him of he being “anti-tribal”.

In response to demands for the removal of several key officials—including the Registrar, Deputy Registrar (Academics), Officer on Special Duty (Director of the College Development Council), and Guest House In-charge—Shukla clarified that such removal cannot occur through arbitrary decisions. These officials were appointed through a formal, rigorous selection process, governed by standard procedures, not personal discretion.

Shukla acknowledged that the concerns raised by associations like NEHUTA, NEHUNSA, and NEHUSU have been forwarded to the government, including the President of India. However, no directive or communication has been received from the Ministry of Education or the President’s office indicating any inquiry into the matter.

On the appointment of Pro-Vice Chancellors for both NEHU campuses (Shillong and Tura), Shukla said the university has sought guidance from the Ministry of Education. If no response is received by December 2024, he committed to appointing Pro-Vice Chancellors from the local community for each campus.

Shukla also noted that he has been in discussions with the Non-Teaching Staff Association, which has requested assurances in writing, though he has been unable to issue these due to the ongoing closure of the Registrar’s office by protesters. He assured non-teaching staff that he will provide written communication once the situation normalizes.

Shukla expressed his willingness to initiate a dialogue with student representatives to address their concerns.

The hunger strike, led by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) NEHU Unit, have accused the Vice Chancellor of “misuse of power” and mismanagement.

Banners with slogans such as “No More Delays, Vice Chancellor Must Go” and “We Demand Fairness, Not Abuse of Power” showed the students’ growing frustration with the administration. NEHU Assam Students Association has also participated in the Hunger strike.

The students have stated that their hunger strike will persist until the Vice Chancellor, registrar, and deputy registrar step down. This latest student-led protest follows an indefinite strike by the NEHU Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), which cited delays in recruitment for advertised positions as the reason for their agitation. NEHUNSA reported that repeated requests to expedite the recruitment process have gone unanswered by the administration.

The NEHU Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has extended support to the students’ demands. NEHUTA, in its general body meeting on November 1, resolved to back NEHUSU’s demands to protect the university’s integrity. Additionally, the Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association (MeTTA) of NEHU has expressed full support for the protesting students.

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