In a significant turn of events, the students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, Assam, have decided to call off their indefinite hunger strike, which was initiated to protest the tragic alleged suicide of a third-year student. The decision came following a face-to-face meeting with the institute’s Director, Dilip Kumar Baidya. This development was reported today, September 23, in a story covered by PTI.
Director’s Assurances Bring an End to the Protest
Director Baidya, who first met with the agitating students on the afternoon of September 22, continued discussions with them into the night. In a gesture of goodwill, he offered fruit juice to the hunger strikers, signifying the end of their protest, which had commenced on a fateful Sunday. During the meeting, Director Baidya assured the students that the Dean of Academics, BK Roy, would be removed from his post. This announcement marked a turning point, ultimately leading to the termination of the hunger strike.
A Student’s Perspective
One of the students, Rishi Kant, expressed their sentiments on the matter, stating, “The director apologized to us with folded hands, and he is like a father figure to us. We trust him and respect his assurances, which is why we are putting an end to our agitation.” Kant further added, “The director has given us his word that the dean of academics will be removed within the next two days.”
In addition to this, Director Baidya also assured the students that the period of their agitation would not be counted in the academic calendar, and no student would be marked absent. The students, however, had made it clear that they would only call off the strike if they received written assurance from the authorities, which was later provided.
A Fresh Start
The students and the director acknowledged the need for a fresh beginning, leaving behind the issues of the past. Kant noted, “They could have prevented violence by engaging with us earlier. We don’t want to apply pressure; change has to be a mutual effort.” He emphasized, “Continuing with the agitation might lead to the authorities closing the institute for an indefinite period, and that’s something we wish to avoid.”
Condolence Meeting Planned
During their meeting with Director Baidya, the students also requested a condolence meeting in memory of Koj Buker, a student from Arunachal Pradesh who had tragically passed away in his hostel room on September 15, in what is alleged to be a suicide. Initially planned for Friday, the meeting had to be postponed due to ongoing protests. It is now scheduled to be held on Monday within the campus.
Appeal from the Registrar
Registrar KL Baishnab has issued a notice, urging the students to cease their hunger strike and resume their classes and other academic activities to maintain a conducive academic environment within the institute.
Demands for a Thorough Investigation
Notably, the students had also written to President Droupadi Murmu, urging the college administration to file an FIR to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the alleged suicide of the student. They further requested comprehensive support for the victim’s family, including financial, legal, security, and emotional assistance.
Allegations Against the Dean
The students have alleged that Dean BK Roy had insulted the victim, who had acquired six backlogs in his first-semester examination held in 2021. The protest initially ignited on the night of September 15 and escalated when the students allegedly vandalized the residence of the Dean of Academics. Subsequently, the police intervened, leading to injuries to approximately 40 students.
In a twist of fate, the relentless efforts of the students have led to constructive dialogue and positive outcomes. With Director Baidya’s promises and their decision to end the hunger strike, NIT Silchar can hopefully look forward to a period of healing and reconciliation.
