Tezpur University is staring at a complete shutdown after students announced the launch of full-scale civil disobedience, accusing the Union Ministry of Education of prolonged silence and inaction in connection with the inquiry against absconding Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. The decision marks a sharp escalation of the agitation that has been simmering on campus for over three months.
In a strongly worded statement, the student fraternity expressed anger and frustration over what they described as repeated failures by the Ministry to honour its own assurances. Students said deadlines of December 9 and December 19, 2025, which had been communicated earlier regarding updates on the inquiry, passed without any official clarification or response.
According to the students, more than 90 days have elapsed since the controversy first came to light, with Monday marking the 93rd day of what they termed “complete administrative silence.” They warned that the absence of communication reflects a deep disregard not only for student concerns but also for the governance, credibility and functioning of a central university.
Declaring that patience had run out, the students said continued silence and unfulfilled promises had shattered trust in institutional accountability. Holding the Union Ministry of Education directly responsible, they announced that complete civil disobedience would resume from Tuesday morning.
As part of the intensified protest, the student body decided to enforce a total shutdown of the university, bringing all academic and administrative activities to a halt until concrete action is taken and accountability ensured. They cautioned that the agitation would continue with greater resolve and could be escalated further if their demands remain unaddressed.
Stressing that their resolve should not be underestimated, the students said they “cannot and will not be taken lightly.” With the shutdown call, Tezpur University now faces one of its most serious student-led movements in recent years, putting the spotlight on issues of governance, transparency and oversight in India’s higher education system.
