Stalemate at Assam University, meeting between students & authority failed to resolve crisis

February 16: The week long agitation by the students of Assam University, Silchar regarding withdrawal of rustication order and FIR against Milon Das has entered its 7th day. On Sunday, Prof. Dilip Chandra Nath, Vice Chancellor of Assam University, Dr. Prodush Kiran Nath, Registrar in-charge and other officials sat for a meeting with the representatives of the students at Cachar College, Silchar. Though there was no official confirmation, yet sources revealed that the varsity has decided to postpone the forthcoming convocation supposed to be held on 1 March, 2020 in the backdrop of the ongoing students’ agitation.

Though the students withdrew their earlier demand of resignation of the Vice Chancellor, but they retained their demand of withdrawal of rustication order against Milon Das, President of Assam University Research Scholars Forum (AURSF). They also wanted the University authorities to withdraw the FIR filed by them against Milon Das. Further, the students wanted assurance from the Vice Chancellor that the University will not take further action against those students who sat for agitation.

On the issue of revoking the decision of rustication of Milon Das, it was stated by the University authorities that the decision was ratified by the Executive Council, the meeting for which was held on 15 February. Sources revealed that the officials of the varsity made it clear that no petition was submitted by Mion Das himself regarding repeal of his rustication. However, it was learnt that the University authorities asked the students that, if Milon Das makes a written appeal of not committing any similar act in the future, then they may rethink the matter of revoking the order of rustication.

As regards the other demand of the students to withdraw the FIR lodged against Milon Das, the varsity officials made it clear that FIR once lodged cannot be taken back. They, however, agreed to obtain legal opinion on this matter. The students’ delegation then consulted other students and finally informed the authorities that they will continue with their agitation until and unless the order of rusticating Milon Das is revoked.

Sources revealed that the agitating students decided that no written apology should be sought by Milon Das for revoking the order of rustication issued against him. Further, the students decided to infuse new life in their agitation by involving more students. Biswarup Bhattacharjee, President of Assam University Students Union (AUSU) regarded all allegations heaped upon Milon Das as baseless and accused the Registrar in-charge of safeguarding a ‘corrupt officer’ Pinak Pani Nath Purkayastha.

Meanwhile, the students had also launched hunger strike near the gate of the university. Five students were since then hospitalized due to their deteriorating health condition on the previous day. Aritra Dhar, General Secretary of AUSU said that the university is not providing any health service to the students. He said that if the university authorities do not approve the demands of the students, then the agitation may take a vigorous turn.

On Sunday, when a section of the students led by the Union President and General Secretary sat for discussion with the University authorities at Cachar College, Silchar, Congress MLA from North Karimganj, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha sat along with the students at the site of dharna near the varsity gate and expressed solidarity with the students.