North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) vice chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla has appealed to the agitating students of the university to come for talks for resolution of their demands.
In a statement issued here today, Prof. Shukla said that he has called for an emergency meeting of the NEHU Executive Council today to address the primary concerns raised by the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU).
“The meeting was convened in an effort to resolve the issues raised by NEHUSU, which included the removal of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar and the appointment of Pro-Vice-Chancellors for NEHU’s Shillong and Tura campuses,” he said.
According to the vice chancellor, due to disruptions caused by the student protests, the Executive Council meeting could not be conducted.
“This has prevented the university administration from moving forward in addressing the students’ demands,” Prof. Shukla claimed.
Expressing his concern for the wellbeing of the students who are on hunger strike since November 5, Prof. Shukla said, “I attempted to engage in discussions with the students directly to address these matters and urged them to end their hunger strike as I am deeply concerned about the potential impact on their health. However, I was advised by the magistrate to refrain from visiting certain areas due to safety concerns.”
Prof. Shukla emphasised his commitment to finding a constructive resolution but noted that without open dialogue, progress remains constrained.
He also appealed to the students to end the hunger strike and participate in a meaningful conversation to address the issues at hand.
“I earnestly request the students, through the media, to call off the hunger strike and work with us to find solutions. Without dialogue, my hands are tied,” he added.
The vice chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to addressing students’ concerns in a safe and collaborative manner and expressed hope that an open dialogue could start at the earliest.
