Assam: Protests erupt at Sribhumi college over student union election date announcement

Tensions flared at Sribhumi College as the announcement of the student union election date led to protests and unrest on campus. 

Members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) blocked the national highway in protest, resulting in a significant police presence at the scene. 

The unrest stemmed from a general meeting held today at the college regarding the student union elections. However, students have raised concerns that the principal unilaterally announced the election date without consulting them, prompting allegations of disregard for student representation.

NSUI members have also leveled serious accusations against the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), claiming that ABVP members issued death threats to the current general secretary of NSUI. Despite bringing these threats to the principal's attention, students allege that no action was taken. In addition, the principal has been accused of mistreating a student, further escalating the tensions.

Susmita Devi, NSUI General Secretary, spoke to the media, saying, "An NSUI student was injured due to the aggressive actions of ABVP members. The election date was announced without any consultation with the students. This raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the process."

Devi also highlighted past incidents, including the controversial actions of ABVP members during the previous student union election, where they allegedly confined teachers and staff in rooms. Despite these events, the current college administration has not taken any significant action, according to NSUI.

Raising concerns about the principal's impartiality, Devi questioned whether the administration was acting in favor of a particular political party, citing suspicions of bias. She called for a transparent investigation into the matter and demanded that the grievances of the students be addressed in a fair and just manner.