Protests at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) escalated on Thursday, with students on an indefinite hunger strike burning effigies of Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabha Shankar Shukla and other university officials, including the Registrar, Deputy Registrar (Academics), and Officer on Special Duty. The protest, aimed at highlighting long-standing demands, has drawn widespread participation from students across NEHU’s Shillong campus.
The escalation follows weeks of unaddressed grievances voiced by students, who initiated the hunger strike on November 5 and declared a complete lockdown of the university on November 6. Key demands from the students include the removal of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar, the appointment of a Pro Vice-Chancellor at NEHU’s Tura campus, the prompt organization of PGSU elections, and improved campus amenities.
Throughout the protest, healthcare workers provided assistance to students on hunger strike, including members from the Khasi Students Union (KSU) NEHU Unit and the NEHU Students Union (NEHUSU). Despite the ongoing health support, tensions within the campus remain high.
In an attempt to ease the situation, Vice-Chancellor Shukla addressed the students in a letter, urging them to reconsider the campus lockdown and hunger strike. “I understand that there are some issues raised against these individuals by the student community, demanding the removal of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar,” Shukla wrote. However, his message was met with strong resistance, as the students refused further dialogue with him and called for his resignation.
The protest has garnered support from student unions and local groups, as students continue to press their demands for administrative reforms and leadership changes within the university.