The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has extended its support to the North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) in their ongoing protest against the deteriorating conditions at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
NEHUSU’s Protest
NEHUSU students have been protesting for several days, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla and four other top officials. Their primary concerns include:
- Lack of Basic Facilities: Students have highlighted the absence of essential amenities like clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and functional hostels.
- Recruitment Issues: NEHUSU alleges irregularities and nepotism in the recruitment process for faculty and staff.
- Infrastructure Decay: The university’s infrastructure is reportedly in a state of disrepair, with dilapidated buildings and inadequate library facilities.
- Academic Issues: Students have expressed concerns about the quality of education and the lack of academic support.
JNUSU’s Solidarity
In a statement released on Tuesday, the JNUSU expressed its solidarity with the protesting NEHUSU students. The statement highlighted the similarities between the issues faced by students at both universities, including:
- Centralized Funding Cuts: Both JNU and NEHU have experienced significant reductions in central funding, leading to a decline in resources and infrastructure.
- Administrative Neglect: Both universities have been plagued by administrative apathy and unresponsive leadership.
- Attacks on Academic Freedom: Both student bodies have faced attempts to suppress dissent and curtail academic freedom.
The JNUSU statement further condemned the alleged misuse of authority by the NEHU administration and called for immediate action to address the students’ demands.
Impact of the Protests
The protests at NEHU have disrupted academic activities and led to tensions between students and the administration. Several students have been hospitalized due to health issues arising from the hunger strike. The JNUSU’s support has brought national attention to the crisis at NEHU and has further galvanized the student movement.
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Future Outlook
The future of the protests remains uncertain. NEHUSU has indicated that they will continue their agitation until their demands are met. The support from JNUSU and other student organizations could strengthen the movement and exert pressure on the university administration.
It is crucial to monitor the situation closely and ensure that the concerns of the students are addressed promptly. A dialogue between the students and the administration is necessary to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.
Additional Information
- NEHUSU: The North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union represents the interests of students at North-Eastern Hill University, a central university located in Shillong, Meghalaya.
- JNUSU: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union is one of the most prominent student unions in India, known for its active role in social and political issues.
