Police personnel were today deployed in the campus of North Eastern Hill University after it was virtually shut down by agitating students who have been demanding removal of new vice-chancellor A N Rai.
The Meghalaya Tribal Students Coordination Committee (MTSCC), a conglomerate of several student bodies, began an indefinite non-cooperation agitation since yesterday, virtually shutting down the university.
The agitating students demanded removal of Mr. Rai who was appointed as the V C on October 11.
Nearly 100 police personnel have been deployed at vital points in the campus, including all university gates, officials said.
The police tried to open the gates forcibly today, but the agitators refused to budge holding a demonstration at the entrance displaying placards like ‘Go Back Rai’.
The students locked all entry points to the varsity, virtually closing down administrative and academic works.
Students and teachers abstained from classes with even the non-teaching staff extending support to agitation.
Banks, schools and other facilities within the complex remained closed for the second consecutive day today.
Mr. Rai said he had apprised the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and the State government of the matter, but there has been no response.
The MTSCC, comprising the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Achik Post-Graduate Students’ Union and the Meghalaya Post - Graduate Students’ Union, has been demanding appointment of a ’local’ educationist to the vice-chancellor’s office.
The students have refused to sit for any dialogue.
