Meghalaya: NEHU professor declines Pro VC position over procedural concerns

Prof Sherwin May Sungoh has formally declined her appointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University's (NEHU) Shillong campus, citing concerns over the appointment process.

 

"I have not received any mail, proper letter, or notification in black and white. The notification I received via WhatsApp was not signed by an appropriate authority. Therefore, I do not accept this offer," Sungoh stated while addressing students on November 14.

 

Sungoh, who has taught at NEHU for three decades, expressed strong support for the ongoing student protests. "This fight that you have been doing here, I have been with you since day 1. As a teacher, I really feel that you have made a good move and applaud the student body for the particular issue you have taken up."

 

Dr Fameline K. Marak, appointed as Pro VC for the Tura campus, has also reportedly declined the position.

 

The appointments, announced by Vice Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla on November 13, came in response to ongoing student demonstrations. NEHU students are currently conducting a hunger strike, demanding improved facilities and the resignation of VC Shukla along with four senior officials.

 

The protest has gained support from student organisations nationwide. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union reported that several hunger-striking students have been hospitalised. The Students' Federation of India's Central Executive Committee has also voiced solidarity with the protesters.