By Firstdespatch Desk May 25, 2026
Agartala, May 25 (FD) Massive student unrest broke out at Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar College in Belonia on Sunday following the transfer of four assistant professors simultaneously, triggering strong protests over the worsening shortage of teaching staff in the state’s higher education institutions.
According to sources, students became agitated shortly after arriving on campus and learning that four faculty members had been transferred from the college at the same time. The development reportedly intensified concerns over the already acute shortage of teachers affecting colleges across Tripura due to inadequate recruitment and alleged administrative mismanagement within the Higher Education Department.
In protest against the transfer orders, angry students locked the main gate of the college in the morning, blocking both entry and exit to the campus. The agitation severely disrupted normal functioning of the institution, with Principal Manoranjan Das reportedly remaining confined to his chamber as tensions escalated. Several teachers were also unable to enter the college premises during working hours.
Sources described the situation as alarming, stating that even after several hours of protest, no official from the Higher Education Department had reached the college to hold discussions with the agitating students or attempt to defuse the situation.
Amid the prolonged demonstration, at least 10 to 12 students reportedly fell ill due to the intense agitation and chaotic conditions on campus. Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services later shifted the affected students to Belonia Hospital for treatment.
The students, along with local BJP leaders in Belonia, openly blamed Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman for the prevailing crisis at the college.
“We want to know why the minister approved the transfer of four teachers at one time despite being fully aware of the severe shortage of faculty members in colleges. The ground realities should have been assessed before issuing such an order,” a student leader said on condition of anonymity.
The protesting students demanded immediate reconsideration of the transfer orders or deployment of suitable replacement teachers, warning that the agitation could intensify further if their demands are not addressed promptly. FD JK