Tezpur University Students Protest with 9-Hour Hunger Strike for VC’s Removal

Students and community members at Tezpur University staged a nine-hour hunger strike, calling for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh due to alleged financial misconduct. The protest, which began at 9 AM, was aimed at pressuring the Ministry of Education to address their grievances.

Since November, the university has been largely shut down, permitting only limited activities for term-end examinations. The Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF), representing students, faculty, and staff, emphasized the need for decisive action against Singh.

The TUUF criticized the Ministry of Education for its lack of response, stating, "The ministry has been silent despite our ongoing agitation and multiple appeals." They expressed frustration over informal assurances that have yet to materialize into concrete action.

On December 6, a delegation from the Ministry attempted to visit the campus but was hindered by student protests. They were eventually allowed to leave after a handwritten assurance that Singh would not perform any duties pending an inquiry.

The forum reiterated their demands: the immediate removal of Singh, a fair investigation into his actions, and his placement on administrative leave. They warned that protests would escalate if their calls for action remained unaddressed.

The university, located in Sonitpur district, has been experiencing tension since mid-September, when students accused Singh of disrespecting cultural icon Zubeen Garg during the mourning period of his passing. Additionally, protesters are raising concerns about environmental issues, including alleged deforestation under Singh's administration.

On December 5, Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya was appointed as acting vice-chancellor, allowing for the continuation of examinations, although other university activities remain suspended.

Singh has not returned to campus since a confrontation with students in September, which escalated to a point where he had to leave abruptly. He conducted a virtual Board of Management meeting on December 4, where a new pro-VC was appointed but declined the position.