Arunachal: NRSA condemns the circumstances leading to the director’s resignation
ITANAGAR: The NERIST Research Scholars’ Association (NRSA) has strongly condemned the circumstances surrounding the sudden resignation of the director of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) on 29 May.
The NRSA described the development as a result of intimidation and coercion by “unscrupulous individuals and student organisations.”
In a representation submitted to the Ministry of Education, the NRSA detailed how a group of protesters allegedly entered the director’s chamber on 29 May, creating a chaotic and intimidating atmosphere on the institute’s campus.
The situation reportedly escalated to the point where security personnel, including CRPF jawans, had to be deployed, and a magistrate was called in to ensure the director’s safe movement from his office to his residence.
“The director was placed under immense pressure and was ultimately compelled to tender his resignation on the same day amidst those individuals,” the representation claimed.
The resignation was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Education and the board of management for approval.
“The incident occurred during the institute’s vacation period, when academic and research activities were continuing with limited campus presence,” the NRSA said.
According to the NRSA, the situation has severely impacted the morale of students, researchers, faculty members, and staff. Many residents, especially those from outside the state, have expressed serious concerns about their safety and security.
The scholars claimed that the incident has deeply affected the academic environment at the NERIST.
It further emphasised that the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty threatens ongoing research work and the overall academic environment of the NERIST.
“We strongly condemn any act that interferes with the functioning of an academic institution through intimidation or coercion,” stated NRSA president John Yigam.
“We appeal to all organisations and individuals concerned to refrain from indulging in politics at the cost of the students’ lives. Such actions undermine the dignity, stability, and reputation of the NERIST,” he added.
The researchers’ body also highlighted the significant contributions made by the outgoing director during his tenure.
The representation noted that several institutional activities had remained dormant before his leadership, which brought renewed momentum to campus development. Student engagement, academic activities, research output, publications, and scholarly initiatives reportedly saw noticeable improvement under his guidance.
The NERIST has previously suffered due to prolonged vacancies in the director’s position. The association warned that the institute cannot afford to slip back into such uncertainty.
