Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 7 addressed the prolonged crisis at Tezpur University, stressing that he would only intervene through discussions and not in the midst of agitation. His remarks came as the central university remained paralysed for nearly three months due to a student-led protest against Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh.
Students have accused the vice chancellor of failing to show appropriate respect to artist Zubeen Garg during the state mourning period following his death, triggering widespread resentment on campus. The agitation, which began in mid-September, intensified over time and led to a complete shutdown of academic operations on November 29, forcing the cancellation of end-semester examinations.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said he did not associate himself with protest-driven situations but remained open to constructive engagement. “Where there is an agitation, I am not there. I will be there if there is a discussion,” he stated, distancing himself from the ongoing unrest while indicating readiness to support a dialogue-based solution.
A central fact-finding team visited the university on Saturday, adding to speculation that Vice Chancellor Singh could be removed. Asked about the possibility, Sarma responded, “I don’t know,” refraining from offering any confirmation.
Earlier, the Chief Minister said he had communicated the seriousness of the situation to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He urged the Centre to immediately appoint a Pro-VC to carry out administrative responsibilities until a neutral inquiry is completed into the conduct of the current vice chancellor.
Despite appeals for calm, students remain firm on their demand for accountability from the university administration, and the shutdown continues to disrupt academic life. Sarma’s latest comments suggest the state government favours a negotiated resolution, but with tensions still high, the impasse shows little sign of easing.
