Itanagar, June 24 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Wednesday held detailed discussions with State Home Minister Mama Natung on the prevailing law and order situation in the state, with particular focus on the recent developments at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).

A Raj Bhavan official said the Home Minister called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan, where the two leaders reviewed the overall law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh and discussed in detail the recent incident at NERIST, located at Nirjuli near Itanagar.

Expressing deep concern over the unfortunate developments, the Governor said NERIST, one of the premier technical and higher educational institutions in the Northeastern region, had been subjected to an incident that has raised serious concerns about the institution’s functioning and environment.

He emphasised that educational institutions must remain safe, secure and conducive to learning, and underscored the responsibility of all stakeholders to protect the sanctity, dignity and reputation of educational establishments across the state.

While expressing his anguish over the developments, Lt Gen Parnaik called for an impartial inquiry into the allegations of rowdyism, threats, coercion and intimidation faced by the Director of NERIST from certain groups.

He observed that such incidents set a wrong example for the youth and should be addressed appropriately in accordance with the law.

Highlighting the importance of sound institutional governance, he stated that the management and administration of educational institutions should be guided by the principles of merit, integrity, dignity, discipline, transparency and accountability.

He further stressed that any act that undermines the functioning, credibility, or harmony of educational institutions must be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law, to reinforce public confidence in the state’s educational ecosystem.

The Home Minister assured the Governor that the state government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He said appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible after the inquiry was completed.

Natung, who also holds the portfolios of Indigenous Affairs, Inter-State Border Affairs and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting educational institutions, and ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, teachers and staff across Arunachal Pradesh.

NERIST has been experiencing turbulence in recent weeks following controversies over administrative and recruitment matters. The developments culminated in the resignation of Director Prof. Narendranath S earlier this month amid an ongoing dispute over recruitment-related issues and disciplinary actions against certain officials.

The episode triggered protests and raised concerns over institutional governance and autonomy, prompting calls from various quarters for the restoration of a peaceful academic atmosphere and the uninterrupted continuation of academic activities at the institute.

–IANS

sc/dan