Shillong: The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Meghalaya has sought immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel following a recent protest that involved a forced entry by members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) into its premises.
The HYC staged a protest over the demand for the implementation of an 80:20 female-male ratio in the recruitment of nursing officers in the institute.
In a letter to the Joint Secretary (H-III) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday, Deputy Director (Admin) NEIGRIHMS Pawan Deep said, “To enhance safety and ensure the smooth functioning of the Institute, it is urgently requested that, in addition to existing security measures, an adequate number of CAPF personnel be deploye
“The deployment of CAPF personnel will significantly bolster security measures, deter potential threats, and provide effective management of similar situations. Given the urgency of the matter, your immediate consideration for the deployment of CAPF personnel to safeguard the Institute is highly requested,” the letter stated.
The NEIGRIHMS, in its letter to the Ministry on April 9, mentioned the appointment of nursing officers in NEIGRIHMS with a ratio of 80:20 (female: male).
In the letter, it was stated that the Institute had received grievances from two local organizations, namely Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) and Khasi Students Union (KSU).
The HYC submitted their representation opposing the Institute’s advertisement dated January 22, 2025, vide letter dated March 24, 2025.
The letter read, “The HYC had given a 7-day notice to the Institute. However, due to the financial year-end procedures, closed holidays, and the time required to compile information along with relevant supporting documents, the draft reply was prepared and finalized for approval only by April 4, 2025. The reply was provided to HYC on April 4, 2025 itself.” 22, 2025, vide letter dated March 24, 2025.
On April 4, 2025, members of the HYC, along with a mob of approximately 50-100 individuals forcibly entered the administrative block of the Institute, raised slogans and compelled staff to vacate their offices.
“Their entry was unexpected, and they were informed that it was restricted without prior appointment. Despite the efforts of security personnel to prevent unauthorized access, members of the HYC overpowered the guards and forcefully entered the premises with the intent to meet the Director, disregarding the instructions of the security guards,” the deputy director stated in the letter.
“They forcibly entered the Director’s office, asked the Director to step out and meet them outside the building, locked the entrance of the Administrative Block, and attempted to lock the main entrance of the building. They proceeded to various sections within the building, demanding the staff vacate their offices,” he added.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya: Over 4,000 trees to be axed for crucial road project in Garo Hills
Further, Pawan Deep also mentioned that the majority of the NEIGRIHMS’ current security personnel are contracted from an outsourcing agency and they are unarmed and lack specialized training to effectively handle such high-risk situations.
“This leaves the Institute vulnerable, posing significant risks to the safety of staff, officers, visitors and institute property,” he added.
