Assam CM Criticizes Protests at Tezpur University, Advocates for Dialogue

Tensions Rise at Tezpur University

Guwahati, Dec 8: Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his disapproval of the ongoing protests at Tezpur University, emphasizing his preference for dialogue over demonstrations to address concerns.

The university has been in turmoil since mid-September, with students claiming that Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and the administration disrespected singer Zubeen Garg during the mourning period following his passing.

Sarma stated, “I do not engage where there is agitation. I will participate if there is a discussion,” while speaking to reporters at an official function.

Since November 29, the campus has been under a student-imposed “complete shutdown,” leading to the cancellation of end-of-term exams by the administration.

When questioned about the Vice-Chancellor's status following a central team visit on Saturday, Sarma replied, “I am not aware.”

He mentioned that he had previously contacted Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting the immediate appointment of a Pro-VC while an impartial investigation into the current VC's actions is conducted.

On Sunday, protesters reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the shutdown until the Centre formally communicates the Vice-Chancellor's removal.

The situation intensified on Saturday night when a delegation from the Union Education Ministry, led by Secretary Vineet Joshi, was unable to leave the campus for over three hours due to being surrounded by students.

They were finally permitted to leave past midnight after Joint Secretary Saumya Gupta provided a handwritten assurance that VC Singh would not oversee the university until a “strict and time-bound inquiry” is conducted against him.