Assam University Silchar: Rajdeep Roy bridges students - authority gap; finds a solution to restore normalcy

On the ninth day of agitation in Assam University Silchar, MP Rajdeep Roy intervened to bridge the gap between the Students’ Union and University Authority. Members of Assam University Students’ Union and Research Scholar Forum brought the University to a standstill as they launched a massive protest against the authority’s decision to rusticate research Scholar Milon Das.

The agitating students demanded that the rustication must be revoked and the FIR filed against Das should be withdrawn. They also demanded that the VC must resign, however, later replaced it with a demand that no action is taken against any other agitating students.

MP Rajdeep Roy went to the University at around 6:00 PM and held several meetings with both students and authorities. He also met the student organisations that are linked with several political parties. At the end of the meeting, he announced that the University will function normally from tomorrow onwards.

Speaking with Barak Bulletin, Roy said, “The authority did not revoke the rustication but agreed to let him submit his thesis and ensured it won’t prohibit Milon Das from pursuing his education. However, Milon Das must remain in abeyance and should not enter the administrative block and the hostel. The authority decided that Das must submit an undertaking that he won’t disturb the peace and harmony in the University premises. Das agreed to it in principle and will submit the undertaking in writing tomorrow.”

Roy also said that the authority in principle agreed to not take any further actions against Das or any other agitating students. “However, they made it clear that no further agitation will be tolerated at the University premises again.”

MP Rajdeep Roy who is a doctor too suggested that the focus must be on the upcoming convocation, “I will see if we can get the Human Resource Development Minister (Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’) to attend the Convocation as a guest,” Roy said.

Assam University Students’ Union president, Biswarup Bhattacharjee confirmed to Barak Bulletin that after Rajdeep Roy’s intervention they have decided to withdraw the agitation.