Shillong, Nov 28: NEHU Vice Chancellor PS Shukla has sought security from the Centre by stating that the security in the state is not adequate.
Shukla also said in the letter to the Centre on November 27 that he will assume duty on December 2.
Full text of the letter below
The Principal Secretary
Higher Education
Government of India
New Delhi
Date, November 27
Sub: Reg. the recen t unrest at NEHU, Shillong, and request for adequate security.
Dear Sir
I have submitted a point-by-point response addressing all four queries raised by the Ministry of Education on 23.11.2024.
Below is a brief report on the incident
The NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU), supported by the NEHU Teachers’ Association
(NEHUTA) headed by Prof. Lakhon Kma have created disruptions on campus since 25th Oct
2024. NEHUTA created a hooligan just before the start of the 113th meeting of the Academic Council on 25th Oct 2024, thereby not allowing the meeting of the Academic Council. After that, they forcefully entered the office of Registrar and Dy. Registrar thrashed them out and locked their respective offices. They also entered forcefully into the office of the VC, threatening me with the demand for immediate termination of the Registrar and Dy. Registrar.
None of the group has given me any representation/complaint in writing to explain the reason for the removal of both officers. Nevertheless, I tried to explain the official procedures to them and assured them that I would initiate appropriate action to resolve the matter and deflate the situation. As per their demand, I have also nominated a Pro-VC, one for each NEHU campus, and sought the approval of EC as per the provisions in the NEHU Act 1973.
Despite my best efforts to meet and discuss and come to a solution, NEHUSU and NEHUTA
escalated the agitation, put up the ‘Dharana’ in the form of a hunger strike in front of the VC
office, and blocked all the entrance gates of the University. They have not given any written
notice about the hunger strike. I informed the local administration about the events, including the DC and SP, along with the DGP and Chief Secretary of the State, and sought their help in ensuring the safety of the NEHU campus. Despite that, the two Associations assaulted me and threatened me by attacking my official residence. The details of the events are provided in annexure 1 and 2
Due to the situation described above and the unrest caused by both Associations, the
functioning of NEHU has come to a complete standstill. University employees are stopped
from performing their duties, and they feel unsafe on campus. The atmosphere of fear and disruption is severely affecting the institution’s operations.
My leave concludes on 29.11.2024, and I will resume my duties at NEHU on 02.12.2024. It
has come to my attention that certain miscreants from various associations of the university, through the in charge vice chancellor, are unlawfully managing campus operations, daily life, and issuing unauthorized orders and circulars. As evidence, a recent example of such an order is attached as Annexure 3.
In light of the prevailing conditions on the NEHU campus, I kindly request adequate security support from the Central Government, as the security provided by the State Government has been insufficient. This deployment will not only ensure my safety but will also contribute to the overall security of the NEHU campus and its employees.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your support.
Sincerely,
(Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla)
Vice Chancellor
NEHU, Shillong
