The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Meghalaya requested Centre for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel after a protest by members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), which escalated into a forced entry into the institute’s premises.
The protest was staged by the HYC to demand the implementation of an 80:20 female-to-male ratio in the recruitment of nursing officers at the institute. In a letter sent to the joint secretary (H-III) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NEIGRIHMS deputy director (Admin) Pawan Deep emphasised the need for additional security. The letter stated, “To enhance safety and ensure the smooth functioning of the institute, it is urgently requested that, in addition to the existing security measures, an adequate number of CAPF personnel be deployed."
The letter further added that the deployment of CAPF personnel would significantly strengthen the security framework, help deter potential threats and ensure more effective management of such situations in the future.
Earlier, on April 9, the institute had informed the Ministry about the recruitment of nursing officers under the 80:20 (female: male) ratio. The institute had also received grievances from two local organisations, the HYC and the Khasi Students Union (KSU), regarding this issue.
On March 24, 2025, the HYC submitted a representation opposing the advertisement published by NEIGRIHMS on January 22, 2025.
Although the institute had received a seven-day notice from the HYC, the reply to their grievances was delayed due to year-end procedures, holidays and the time required to compile relevant documents. The final draft response was prepared by April 4, 2025 and sent to the HYC on the same day.
However, on April 4, a group of 50-100 persons, led by members of the HYC, forcibly entered the administrative block of NEIGRIHMS. They raised slogans, demanded staff vacate their offices and ignored security personnel's attempts to prevent unauthorised access. Despite being informed that entry was restricted without an appointment, the protesters overpowered the guards and entered the building, forcing their way into the director’s office.
The protestors not only locked the entrance to the administrative Block but also attempted to lock the main entrance of the building while roaming through various sections, demanding staff to leave their offices.
In his letter, Pawan Deep highlighted that the majority of the institute’s security personnel are contracted through an outsourcing agency and are unarmed and untrained to handle such high-risk situations. He noted that this leaves the institute vulnerable, posing significant safety risks to staff, officers, visitors and institute property.
Given the gravity of the situation, NEIGRIHMS has called for the immediate deployment of CAPF personnel to ensure the safety of all involved and to prevent further escalation.
Follow us
