Tezpur: The ongoing civil rights movement at Tezpur University reached its 38th day on Wednesday with a powerful black-clad rally that transformed the campus into a symbol of unity, grief, and resistance.
Hundreds of students, faculty members, and staff — including representatives from the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) and the Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA) — marched in silence across the Napaam campus, dressed in black clothes and masks to signify what they termed “institutional mourning” and “masked corruption” under the tenure of absconding Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh.
The demonstrators moved in coordinated formation through the university’s main thoroughfares, drawing attention from the academic community and visitors alike. The colour black, organisers explained, symbolised grief and defiance against administrative injustice, while the masks reflected the concealment and lack of accountability that, they alleged, had characterised the administration’s functioning for over two years.
Protesters maintained that the movement was not spontaneous but part of a sustained campaign seeking transparency, integrity, and ethical leadership within the institution. They accused the administration of engaging in corrupt and non-transparent practices that had eroded academic credibility and disrupted university operations.
Environmental concerns were also raised, with protesters alleging that trees and natural habitats were destroyed under the guise of campus “beautification” projects, carried out without proper ecological assessment or stakeholder consultation.
The rally, held in disciplined silence, saw participants carrying placards and observing moments of reflection to represent the suppression of dissenting voices. “Our masks are symbols of the truth that has been hidden for too long — but the truth will eventually prevail,” said one participant.
In a joint statement, TUTA, TUNTEA, and the student community reaffirmed their commitment to restoring “honesty, accountability, and ethical governance” in Tezpur University.
As the 38th day of protest came to a close, the campus community vowed to continue their peaceful movement until justice is achieved and the dignity of the institution is reinstated.
