The demand for Central security by Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of Meghalaya’s North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), has sparked local outrage, with the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) dismissing it as unfounded and potentially misuse of power.
Shukla, who requested Central Armed Forces for his “safe return” to the campus on December 2, argued that the security measures provided by the Meghalaya State Government were inadequate for someone of his stature. In response, HITO criticized the VC’s demand in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that it lacked a valid foundation.
The pressure group accused Shukla of disrespecting local traditions, particularly pointing to his defiance of a directive from the Mawlai Town Dorbar, a body that represents 17 local village councils. The Dorbar had explicitly banned Shukla’s entry onto the NEHU campus, a decision that HITO claims carries significant cultural weight within the Khasi community.
HITO further alleged that granting Shukla Central security would allow him to “misuse” the forces to exert undue influence over students and faculty for personal gain. The organization also highlighted Shukla’s past actions, accusing him of arrogance and abuse of his authoritative position.
