Shillong, November 23: The Anti-Ragging Committee of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) convened a crucial meeting on November 3, 2023, to discuss the recent alleged ragging incident at the Tura Campus. The meeting was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor who is also the Chairman of the Committee.
The committee took stock of several key initiatives and inquiries that have been launched in response to the incident. This includes the Chairman’s briefing on meetings with Naga Elders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the establishment of an Inquiry Committee by the University to investigate the incident.
Both the Naga Elders and NGOs, as well as the Inquiry Committee, have submitted their respective reports, but so far, there has been no breakthrough in identifying the individuals responsible for the alleged ragging.
During the meeting, Prof. R. L. Nongkhlaw, Dean of Students’ Welfare, updated the committee on the University’s efforts to reach out to the victim through his relatives and family.
Regrettably, the victim’s family has expressed their reluctance to allow NEHU to meet with him regarding this matter. Dr. P. Khongji, the Proctor, provided information about the committee’s visit to the Tura Campus and shared updates on the ongoing interrogations of students and the warden conducted by the local police team in Tura.
Additionally, the Dean of Students’ Welfare informed the committee that he had discussed the possibility of transferring the victim’s admission to another academic course, which the University is willing to facilitate. However, the victim has indicated that he does not wish to pursue any academic courses during this session.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Anti-Ragging Committee resolved to take a series of proactive steps to address the issue:
- a) The Committee will write to the Director-General of Police, Chief Secretary, and the Superintendent of Police in Tura, urging them to expedite the investigation, emphasizing that the prolonged uncertainty is adversely affecting the academic atmosphere at the University.
- b) A formal letter will be sent to the Campus Director of Tura Campus, indicating that if the culprits are not identified soon, the University may need to consider collective punitive measures in accordance with the relevant clauses under the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
- c) The Hostel incharges and other relevant officials will be asked to provide a detailed report explaining any lapses in the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) related to the incident.
- d) The committee proposed the constitution of a four-member committee, including external members, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged ragging incident.
- e) The University will explore the possibility of requesting Naga elders to facilitate obtaining the victim’s statement, with the victim’s consent, in an effort to identify the culprits responsible for the incident.
- f) It was decided that a follow-up meeting will be scheduled two weeks from now to review the progress of the case and any further developments.
The NEHU Anti-Ragging Committee remains committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students and will continue to work diligently to address this serious matter. The University urges anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
