Meghalaya: Professor Sherwin May Sungoh has formally declined her recent appointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University’s (NEHU) Shillong campus, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the appointment process.
Sungoh, who has dedicated 30 years to teaching at NEHU, shared her decision publicly on November 14, expressing discontent with the manner in which the notification was conveyed.
“I have not received any official communication in black and white. The notification I received via WhatsApp was unsigned by an appropriate authority. Therefore, I do not accept this offer,” Sungoh stated while addressing students on campus.
Sungoh further voiced her support for the ongoing student-led protests at NEHU, which call for administrative reforms and improved campus facilities. “I have supported your fight since day one. As a teacher, I genuinely feel that you have made a commendable move, and I applaud the student body for standing firm on these issues,” she remarked.
Dr. Fameline K. Marak, who was appointed as Pro Vice-Chancellor of NEHU’s Tura campus, has also reportedly declined the position. These appointments, announced by Vice Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla on November 13, were intended to address student grievances amid escalating demonstrations.
The student protests at NEHU have drawn national attention, with students on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Shukla and four senior officials. Nationwide student organizations have shown their support, with reports of several hunger-striking students requiring hospitalization. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union and the Students’ Federation of India have both extended solidarity, emphasizing the growing momentum behind the protests.
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