Stakeholders at Tezpur University in Assam began a 24-hour hunger strike Monday, marking 100 days of continuous protest. The strike demands the removal of Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and a thorough inquiry into his alleged misconduct. This collective action, involving students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, commenced at 12 AM on Monday and concluded at 11:59 PM.
100 Days of Sustained Protest
The Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF) organized the hunger strike. TUUF serves as a joint platform, representing the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA), the Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA), and the student community.
Protests against VC Singh initiated in mid-September. The forum expressed strong disappointment that 100 days of peaceful agitation have passed without any concrete resolution or actionable assurance from authorities regarding the VC’s removal.
A TUUF volunteer told PTI that stakeholders strongly condemn Singh’s ‘continued impunity’. This refers to his prolonged absence from the university campus despite severe allegations and sustained internal opposition. The hunger strike specifically aims to draw national attention to what TUUF describes as a ‘systemic failure of governance’.
Allegations of Corruption and Misconduct
Key allegations against Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh include corruption and fiscal irregularities. The university community also protests against alleged deforestation and ecological destruction carried out on the picturesque campus under his administration.
Students further accuse Singh and varsity authorities of not showing due respect to cultural icon Zubeen Garg. This incident occurred while the state was mourning Garg’s death, significantly increasing campus tensions.
Singh has been absent from the university campus since September 22. His absence followed a heated scene and an exchange of words between him and students, leading to his quick departure from the spot. Protesters affirm their demand for justice remains firm.
Administrative Paralysis and Impact
Singh’s prolonged absence, coupled with the inaction of authorities, has pushed the institution into administrative paralysis. This situation has also significantly eroded public trust in the university’s leadership and its operations.
The protests intensified significantly from November 29, escalating the campus disruption. Since the agitation began in September, at least 11 faculty members and senior officials have either resigned from their posts or left the university entirely.
TUUF members describe the hunger strike as a powerful expression of frustration and moral anguish. They cite a ‘complete lack of accountability’ after 100 days of peaceful protests, memoranda, inquiries, and appeals. The university fraternity asserts its struggle highlights a system appearing more invested in protecting individuals in power than in safeguarding institutional integrity and student futures.
Demands for Immediate Action
The core demand from all stakeholder groups remains clear: the immediate removal of Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. They also insist on the initiation of a formal inquiry into his actions and alleged misconduct without further delay.
TUUF emphasized that this issue extends beyond the university’s immediate concerns. They frame it as a broader question about the credibility of public institutions and the moral conscience of the system governing them.