By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 14: NEHUSU president Sandy Sohtun was admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Civil Hospital, Shillong, after his health deteriorated on Thursday night. Earlier, Sohtun, along with seven other agitating students, had been shifted to the NEHU Health Centre. The Union has, however, together with KSU NEHU unit, announced that they would continue their indefinite hunger strike until the Ministry of Education removes Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar from the university.
It was reported that the NEHUSU president is suffering from a stomach infection, blurred vision, and other alarming symptoms, with potential complications affecting his internal organs.
The indefinite hunger strike by NEHUSU and the KSU NEHU unit entered its 10th day on Thursday. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in charge of the NEHU Health Centre, Dr Carol Mukhim, informed that eight students on strike were shifted to health centres as their blood pressure and blood sugar levels had dropped. She explained that additional students would be admitted after discharging those already receiving care.
Dr Mukhim noted that due to limited space, it is not feasible to transfer all students to the university health center at once. She also mentioned that the students prefer the university health centre over Shillong Civil Hospital, where they reported discomfort due to an unpleasant smell in the general ward.
In response to a query, Dr Mukhim stated that the students on strike are hemodynamically stable.
“However, it will be difficult for the students to sustain the ongoing hunger strike without proper nutrition. Relying solely on liquids will not be sufficient. Ultimately, someone will need to decide on ending this impasse,” she added.
Dr Mukhim further indicated that the NEHUSU president’s condition is more critical, likely due to a stomach infection. Given his lack of food intake, oral medication cannot be administered.
Earlier, NEHUSU general secretary Toniho S Kharsati told reporters on Thursday that they would accept the inquiry committee only if it aligns with their main demand for the VC’s removal. He added that they would be more receptive if a representative from their side was included on the committee.
The Union had earlier rejected NEHU VC’s proposal for an independent probe.
Kharsati reiterated that from the first day of the hunger strike, their demand for the VC’s removal has been clear. “We are resolute in our stance and will not call off our protest unless the VC is removed,” he said.
He emphasised that while the inquiry may proceed, as students, they will not relent until their primary demand — the removal of the VC — is met.