Members of Nagaland University Students’ Union Lumami, research scholars and other students at the District Court Complex, Zunheboto, on September 22. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland University students seek justice
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | September 22
Students and research scholars of Nagaland University, Lumami, were present at the District Court Complex, Zunheboto, on September 22 to express solidarity with a woman professor connected with the ongoing case involving former Professor, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University (NU), Lumami Campus, Dr Sarat Chandra Yenisetti.
The students came to attend the third hearing of the case and voice their support for the complainant. The matter, however, was adjourned again.
Speaking to the media, Rita Chhetri, Research Scholar at NU, said the incident in question took place on November 25, 2024, during a conference and social work activity.
She alleged that Dr Sarat had called one of the students and asked him to remove his clothes, following which an altercation occurred when the complainant intervened.
Chhetri further alleged that the former professor used abusive language and that the situation was subsequently brought under control with the intervention of the Head of Department and other students.
She said police later arrived at the spot and took the professor away.
Meanwhile, Mariam CM, General Secretary of NU Students’ Union Lumami (NUSUL), said the students and union executives had come together because the case involved a member of their university community.
She further noted that the repeated postponement of the proceedings was causing concern among students, particularly as some of the students who were eyewitnesses to the incident had since graduated and moved on to their respective work and personal commitments.
She also raised concerns regarding the students’ sense of security, stating that they did not want a situation where the person involved in the case could return to the campus while the matter remained unresolved.
On the third hearing being adjourned, Mariam said the repeated postponements were frustrating for students who had travelled to Zunheboto despite their academic and personal commitments.
“We also have our own work. Moreover, all the eyewitnesses, there are no more students here. Once, of course, there were students, but now they have graduated and they all are engaged in their own personal work,” she said.
Alemwangshi Longkumer, Assistant General Secretary, NUSUL, said the prolonged proceedings had caused distress among those connected with the case.
He said the students wanted the matter to be dealt with expeditiously and that the prolonged proceedings had added to the stress faced by those connected with the incident.
Regarding the next hearing, Longkumer said the students had been informed that it would probably be held on October 3.
Explaining the importance of their physical presence at the court, Longkumer said students wanted their voices to be heard and to demonstrate their solidarity with the complainant.
“Being physically present makes a statement,” he said, adding that around 90 to 100 students were present at the court complex.
The students also raised slogans of “We want justice” at the court complex.
Longkumer said students had come together to seek justice for the complainant and also urged university authorities and staff to support the students.
The matter concerns not only the students but also the reputation of the university, he added.
Mariam also reiterated the students’ demand for justice and said they intended to remain present for the next hearing.
It may be noted that the matter remains sub judice, and the allegations referred to by the students are yet to be established by a court.
