By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 13: The normal functioning of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) was affected on Monday on the first day of the indefinite strike called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising NEHUTA, NEHUSU and NEHUNSA in support of its various demands.
The classrooms of various departments were empty as no classes were taken in view of the strike. The administration building wore a deserted look. Only some contractual staff were present.
The office of Vice Chancellor, Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, who went on leave from November 9 to 15, was also empty. However, many students were seen inside the campus, especially the Central Library of the university.
JAC chairman, Lakhon Kma expressed happiness that the strike was successful. He told reporters that no classes were conducted. A test scheduled on Monday was postponed.
“Everyone is supporting this protest since they know that it is for the good of the university,” Kma said, adding the strike will continue.
The JAC will meet on Tuesday to review and analyse the situation.
The JAC chairman said they understand that they cannot prolong the protest as the exams are around.
“We will try to strike a balance between putting pressure on the VC and protecting the interests of the students. We are resilient that the VC should resolve the demands, especially the termination of senior technical officer, Rohit Prasad,” Kma said.
He said the JAC understands that it will not be possible for the VC to address everything immediately as the list of demands is long.
“We would want the VC to fulfil the demands in a time-bound manner,” Kma said.
He said the JAC is clueless on the VC’s position on the demands.
“We will be able to understand only when we receive a communication from him inviting us for an official talk,” Kma said.
Asked about the JAC’s condition that it will hold talks only after the VC removes Prasad, Kma said let the VC react. There is no official communication so far, he reiterated.
“We will sit and discuss among ourselves when we receive an official invitation from the VC. There is a possibility that we will tell him on his face that he should immediately remove Prasad,” Kma added.