Williamnagar, East Garo April 30, 2025: The Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO) vehemently condemned the recent attack on Dr. Alok Singh, Assistant Professor of Hindi Department at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong and called for urgent institutional reforms to safeguard academic integrity and student welfare.
The organization further, demands for immediate elevation of NEHU Campus Tura of full-fledged University to ensure equitable access to quality education for Garo Students and other regions.
The NGCO expressed profound outrage over the assaulted on Dr. Singh, who was allegedly attacked on Thursday by NEHUSU President Sandy Sohtun and five other Union members.
The FIR filed by Dr. Singh at Mawkynroh Police Outpost, the group of NEHUSU members came and locked Dr. Singh in his office and physically assaulted him and threatened him with scissors, leaving him injured and traumatized. Such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and undermine the sanctity of educational institutions,
“This incident reflects a disturbing trend of campus politicization and lawlessness in NEHU, Campus Shillong” stated Tengrak R. Marak, President of NGCO, CEB HQ, Simsanggre.
“We urged the State Government and University Authorities to take stringent action against the perpetrators and ensure the safety of students. Such incidents will never recur.” added Marak.
Furthermore, NGCO demand for NEHU Campus Tura as a Full-Fledged Campus.
Highlighting systemic issues at NEHU Campus Shillong, NGCO has submitted a formal letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, urging immediate conversion of the NEHU Campus Tura into fully pledge University.
Currently, the Tura Campus offers limited courses, forcing students from Garo Hills and neighboring regions to relocate to Shillong, where they face recurring challenges, including hostile campus politics, administrative lapses and inadequate infrastructure.
“The Shillong campus has become a hub of instability, disproportionately affecting Garo students and others who struggle to pursue education in such a volatile environment,” in the letter stated.
“Expanding NEHU Campus Tura into a full-fledged, with diverse academic programs will not only address regional educational disparities, but also provide a safer, more inclusive space for learning.” said Marak.
The NGCO emphasized that upgrading the Tura Campus is critical to decongesting NEHU Campus Shillong, reducing student dependency on a politically fraught environment and fostering academic excellence in Garo Hills.
The organization has called for Swift justice in Dr. Singh’s case and enhanced security measures across NEHU campuses. Immediate government intervention to fast-track infrastructure development, faculty recruitment and course diversification in Tura.
Transparent dialogue between stakeholders to address systemic issues plaguing NEHU Shillong.
“Education is a right, not a privilege,” added Marak.
“The Garo community and all students deserve access to quality education without fear of violence or discrimination. Transforming NEHU Campus Tura is not just a demand it is a necessity for Meghalaya’s future.” stated Marak.
