New Delhi: The annual Holi celebration at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong typically showcases the spirit of inclusivity and communal harmony. However, this year’s festivities took an ugly turn with the alleged intrusion of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members.
Their presence not only disrupted the celebration, but also led to confrontations with university officials, including the vice president of NEHU’s student union, Easterson Sohtun.
Sohtun’s attempt to maintain order and inquire about the intruders’ identity was met with hostility as he allegedly faced casteist abuse and physical assault.
“Like every year, the Holi celebrations were taking place with much excitement. However, a few outsiders affiliated with the ABVP tried to take political mileage from the event,” Sonal K.S., a master’s student in Political Science at NEHU, told The Wire.
“For the safety of students on campus, the students’ union vice president tried to confront the intruders. It was then that he faced casteist abuse. He was also beaten up badly,” added Sonal.
Sohtun was allegedly assaulted by ABVP members. Photos: Special arrangement.
“No permission given”
There is no permission required for students to celebrate Holi on the NEHU campus, but non-students are not allowed to do the same.
An organisation named the World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY) had organised the Holi celebrations, where many non-students allegedly entered the university.
WOSY is affiliated with the ABVP.
While the North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union maintains that the celebration had not received approval from university authorities, WOSY’s stance was distinctly different.
Sumarlin L. Mawlong of WOSY filed a police complaint saying that they had “proper permission” to hold the event, although Sonal K.S., who was in a meeting with the vice chancellor and other university officials, said that “the [vice chancellor] clearly denied giving any permission to WOSY to hold the event.”
Insider vs outsider
The clash exposed a troubling local versus non-local dynamic, with accusations hurled at locals for supposedly obstructing the ABVP’s Holi celebrations.
Sohtun, who is a member of the Khasi tribe, found himself at the forefront of targeted aggression. His ethnicity was allegedly weaponised against him by the ABVP intruders.
The intruders bypassed proper procedures for campus entry, with confirmation from Sonal K.S. that they did not follow the necessary protocols or obtain genuine permission.
ABVP denounces violence, blames NEHUSU VP for it
The ABVP has issued a vehement statement following the events that unfolded during the Holi festivities. ABVP denied the charges made by NEHUSU and accused Easterson Sohtun, Aditya Sourav and Gurudutt Tripathi of causing “unjustified violence”. ABVP denounced the incident as a blatant violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
“We stand in solidarity with the students and organisers who were subjected to this unjustified violence,” stated ABVP Meghalaya state secretary, Tengku M. Marak.
Note: This article was updated with ABVP’s response on April 1, 2024.
