Shillong, November 30, 2024 – The hunger strike at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), now in its fifth day, has taken a dire turn as students accuse the administration of not only failing to provide assurances but also adopting a hostile and dismissive attitude toward their demands. The students’ grievances, including unpaid stipends, lack of course affiliation, and allegations of corruption, remain unaddressed, further escalating tensions on campus.
Administration Fails to Act, Tensions Mount
Despite the urgency of the situation, the NEIAH administration has yet to offer any concrete resolution or assurance to the striking students. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, students report that the administration has shown indifference to their concerns. Protesters allege that the authorities’ behavior has been dismissive, with no attempts to address the deteriorating health of those on hunger strike or to resolve the long-standing issues plaguing the institution.
One student remarked, “We are being treated as if our demands are irrelevant. Instead of showing empathy or offering solutions, the administration is behaving as if we are the problem.”
Hostility Amid Health Crisis
As the hunger strike continues, the health of several students has worsened, one PG Doctor shifted to NEIGRIHMS for further checkup & treatment while others experiencing severe weakness and dizziness. Yet, the administration has reportedly failed to show any concern for their well-being, further fueling outrage among the protesters. Medical assistance has not been proactively arranged or if arranged not managed properly*
The striking students have accused the administration of deliberately ignoring their demands to force an end to the protest. This perceived apathy and hostile approach have only strengthened their resolve to continue until their voices are heard.
Allegations of Corruption Continue to Stir Tensions
Adding fuel to the fire, students have leveled serious corruption allegations against the NEIAH administration. They accuse the leadership of mishandling funds, misallocating resources meant for infrastructure and student welfare, and failing to fulfill promises made during previous interactions with the student body. The absence of a permanent director, a critical leadership role left vacant since August 2024, has exacerbated the crisis, leaving the administration in a leadership vacuum.
Despite these grave concerns, the administration has yet to provide a concrete response to the hunger strikers’ demands. An earlier online meeting with the AYUSH Ministry Secretary failed to yield any substantial resolutions, with the students rejecting financial compensation offers as inadequate. They insist on a written, formal commitment to address both their immediate and long-term grievances.
Core Issues Remain Unresolved
The students’ demands center on three critical issues:
- Unpaid Stipends: MD (Homeopathy) students have not received stipends for over a year, despite fulfilling their clinical and academic responsibilities.
- Course Affiliation: Postgraduate courses have yet to be affiliated with the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), leaving students uncertain about the legitimacy of their degrees.
- Corruption Allegations: Serious accusations have been made against the administration regarding mismanagement and misuse of funds, raising questions about accountability and transparency.
Students have also pointed to the absence of a permanent director since August 2024 as a major factor in the institution’s ongoing dysfunction.
Growing Frustration with Administration’s Hostility
The administration’s apparent lack of empathy and aggressive behavior toward protesting students has become a focal point of criticism. Reports suggest that students seeking dialogue were met with condescension, and offers made during previous interactions were seen as superficial and insincere. Protesters have described the administration’s behavior as “unprofessional” and “uncaring,” further straining relations between students and leadership
Campus Solidarity and Calls for Reform
Support for the hunger strike has continued to grow, with students from other programs, including BAMS and BHMS, joining in solidarity. Sit-ins and campus-wide demonstrations have amplified the demand for immediate action and systemic reform. Students are calling for a permanent director, the release of stipends, affiliation of courses, and an independent inquiry into corruption allegations.
As the hunger strike enters its fifth day, the situation remains tense. The protesters have made it clear that they will not back down until their concerns are addressed. The administration’s response, or lack thereof, will likely determine whether the strike continues or if a resolution is reached. The coming days are critical for both the students and the institution, with the potential for this protest to spark broader reforms within NEIAH and similar institutions across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
