Itanagar, Jun 24 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Wednesday expressed deep anguish over the recent incident of “rowdyism, threats, and intimidation” directed at the director of NERIST, a deemed university, and called for an impartial inquiry into the matter.
During a meeting with Home Minister Mama Natung at the Lok Bhavan here, the governor discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the state, with a specific focus on the recent developments at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).
The institute has been witnessing turbulence in recent weeks following controversies related to administrative and recruitment matters. Expressing concern over the incident at one of the premier technical and higher educational institutions of the Northeast, Parnaik emphasised that educational campuses must remain safe, secure, and conducive to learning, a Lok Bhavan statement said. “The management and administration of educational institutions should be guided by merit, integrity, dignity, discipline, transparency, and accountability,” the governor said, adding that acts of coercion against institutional heads set a bad example for the youth.
He further stressed that any act undermining the functioning, credibility, or harmony of educational institutions must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law to reinforce public confidence in the state’s educational ecosystem.
The home minister assured the governor that the state government is treating the matter with “utmost seriousness” and will take appropriate action against those found responsible.
Natung reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting educational institutions, and ensuring a secure environment for students, teachers, and staff across Arunachal Pradesh, an official release said.
The developments culminated in the resignation of Director Prof Narendranath S earlier this month amid an ongoing dispute over recruitment-related issues and disciplinary actions against certain officials.
The episode triggered protests and concerns over governance and institutional autonomy, prompting calls from various quarters for the restoration of a peaceful academic atmosphere and uninterrupted academic activities.
