Meghalaya: NEHU Vice-Chancellor goes 'missing' amid mounting student protests

North-Eastern Hill University Vice-Chancellor PS Shukla has reportedly gone "missing", district magistrate informed a crowd of approximately 2,000 protesters gathered outside his residence today, November 10.

 

The magistrate further reported that the Vice-Chancellor’s residence had been vandalised the previous night, November 9, prompting today’s police presence.

 

"Give me an undertaking that from this point forward, there will be no violence or damage to public property," the magistrate said. "I am prepared to withdraw the police, but only with an assurance that there will be no further incidents."

 

He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, adding, "Damage to public property and threats to a person’s life, like those seen last night, are unacceptable."

 

The revelation about the vandalism of VC's residence and his disappearance came during a massive demonstration organised by the NEHU Research Scholars' Forum, which drew thousands of students, alumni, research scholars, and faculty members.

 

Protesters carrying placards demanding "We need integrity in appointments" "NEHU's future is at stake, step down VC" and "No more convocation delays", among other demands, were stopped by police at the VC's residence, where officials disclosed Shukla had been unaccounted for since the previous night.

 

Student leaders have announced plans to file a "missing person" report with local authorities.

 

The disappearance follows five days of intensifying protests, including an indefinite hunger strike that began earlier this week. Faculty members had sought intervention from Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar, who serves as the university's chief rector.

 

The crisis has paralysed operations at NEHU, which serves approximately 5,000 students. Demonstrators are demanding the removal of several top administrators, including the registrar and deputy registrar, citing incompetence and mismanagement.

 

NEHUTA President Prof Lakhon Kma reported a widespread loss of confidence in Shukla's leadership across all university stakeholders. Before his disappearance, Shukla had promised to appoint pro-vice chancellors for both Shillong and Tura campuses by month's end.

 

The protests originated from unaddressed demands by NEHUSU, including calls for PGSU elections and administrative reforms. Students had previously burned effigies of university officials and declared a campus lockdown.

 

The Governor has requested all stakeholders to submit proposals for resolving the crisis, emphasising the need for students to return to their classes.