Protests do not belong inside the campus of NEIGRIHMS: NFA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 3, 2025

The NEIGRIHMS Faculty Association (NFA) on Friday expressed deep concern over the recent protests held within the campus premises over the past few months.

In a statement, the association said, “While we recognize the right to peaceful expression and dialogue in a democratic society, the choice of venue and manner of protest raise serious concerns. The campus is a shared space where people come seeking healing, learning, and safety. Any activity that hampers clinical care, disturbs the academic environment, or poses potential law and order challenges must be viewed with seriousness. We are concerned that such demonstrations—particularly when they result in the disruption of administrative functioning or restrict free movement—may indirectly compromise the institute’s mission and obligations to the public.”

“Such activities within a healthcare and academic institution inevitably create an atmosphere of tension and unease. They indirectly impact patient care, disrupt the sanctity of teaching and learning, and pose a potential threat to overall law and order within the campus,” it added.

The association stated that the presence of agitations within the hospital and academic environment affects not just faculty but also students, patients, and staff, many of whom are already in vulnerable situations.

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It reminded the public that NEIGRIHMS stands for excellence in patient care, education, and research, saying, “We believe such protests do not belong inside the campus and are detrimental to the institute’s growth and well-being.”

The association also noted that the institute is already facing a shortage of faculty, and disruptions in the middle of a faculty recruitment cycle will deter quality candidates from joining NEIGRIHMS.

“We urge all stakeholders to preserve the integrity of our campus environment and to engage in constructive dialogue through appropriate channels, in the larger interest of the institution and the people we serve,” it concluded.