Students, teachers, and other stakeholders at Tezpur University have welcomed the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) decision to form an enquiry committee to investigate the ongoing crisis, including allegations against Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. However, they emphasized that protests will continue until the probe delivers conclusive justice in their favor.

The central university on the north bank of the Brahmaputra has witnessed sustained demonstrations since mid-September over alleged irregularities by Singh. Protesters marked 100 days of agitation with a 24-hour hunger strike on Monday.

In a Wednesday order, the MoE directed Singh to go on leave and constituted a three-member panel to examine the allegations, with a report expected within three months.

The Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA), Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA), and students expressed gratitude in a joint statement, voicing “cautious optimism” for a fair and transparent inquiry free from interference. They pledged full cooperation and welcomed Amrendra Kumar Das from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Design as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

Protests initially erupted amid accusations of fiscal mismanagement, disrespect toward cultural icon Zubeen Garg during state mourning, and campus deforestation under Singh’s tenure. Tensions peaked on September 22 with a confrontation that forced Singh to leave the campus. At least 11 faculty and senior officials have resigned since.

Stakeholders reaffirmed that the movement will remain active until the enquiry upholds their demands, including the removal of the Vice-Chancellor.