Tensions Escalate at NIT Silchar Following Student’s Tragic Death

By MyNewsNE Desk On Sep 17, 2023 Last updated Sep 17, 2023

Guwahati, 17th September: Amidst the tense atmosphere following the tragic death of a student at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar, Director General of Assam Police (DGP) GP Singh has issued directives to address the escalating situation. The unfortunate incident has led to acts of vandalism and unruliness within the institution.

DGP GP Singh, in his guidance, emphasized the need for a firm response from the administration to address the incidents of vandalism. Simultaneously, he called for empathy when dealing with the grievances raised by the students during this challenging time.

Reference NIT Silchar incident – Protest is understandable on an emotive issue, violence & vandalism is neither understandable nor acceptable. Administration has been advised to be firm in dealing with vandalism while simultaneously deal with empathy on issues raised. Issues need…
— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) September 16, 2023

The turmoil at NIT Silchar unfolded after a student from the electrical department reportedly took his own life under suspicious circumstances, by hanging himself from a window within the NIT hostel campus. It has been revealed that the student had academic concerns, including a backlog of subjects from his first semester. Consequently, the NIT authorities had denied him registration for the third year until he cleared these backlogs. Despite seeking help from the NIT Academic Dean BK Roy, the student’s concerns were allegedly not addressed.

In response to this tragedy, approximately 2,000 students gathered in protest in front of the NIT administrative building in Silchar, leading to a chaotic situation. The students later surrounded the government residence of NIT Academic Dean BK Roy, locking up his family members and vandalizing the property.

To restore order, District Commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha and Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta arrived at the scene with significant police and CRPF forces. However, the situation escalated when the students demanded the removal and arrest of the Dean, prompting the administration to resort to baton charging to disperse the crowd.

Later in the day, around 5,000 students from various departments of NIT, wearing black as a symbol of protest, staged a silent demonstration, marking a somber moment in response to the tragedy. The situation remains tense as authorities work to address the grievances and maintain order at the institution.