Dibrugarh University students have launched a 36-hour hunger strike demanding an apology from Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu over his alleged disrespectful remarks on the Assam Movement, alongside protests against a recent fee hike and the withdrawal of promised fee concessions.
Dibrugarh University Hunger Strike 2026: PG Students Demand Apology from Minister Ranoj Pegu Over Assam Movement Remarks and Fee Hike
Dibrugarh University students escalated their agitation on March 11, 2026, as the Postgraduate Students’ Union (PGSU) began a 36-hour hunger strike. The protest, led by union president Asish Bhushan Gogoi and general secretary Madhurjya Bora, centers on admission-related grievances, a recent fee hike, and controversial statements allegedly made by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.
Protesters staged a sit-in at the main gate of Dibrugarh University and burned an effigy of the minister, calling for him to clarify his remarks and issue a public apology.
Students claim they were initially promised a 50% fee concession for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, plus free admission for the five-year integrated course. These benefits were later withdrawn, leaving many from humble backgrounds struggling with the increased fees.
“We were told there would be a 50% fee concession… but these benefits were withdrawn. Many students come from humble backgrounds and are now struggling to afford the fees,” said union president Asish Bhushan Gogoi.
The situation intensified after a meeting at the minister’s residence, where students allege they faced misconduct. They further claim Minister Pegu questioned the impact of student protests, stating that even years after the Assam Movement, nothing had changed and doubting what a students’ union could achieve through protests.
“One of the statements claimed that even six years after the Assam Movement nothing had changed, and questioned what a students’ union could achieve through protests. Such remarks undermine the sacrifices of the 855 martyrs of the Assam Movement,” a protester alleged.
The Dibrugarh University agitation, including the hunger strike, will continue until the minister addresses the concerns and offers an apology for the alleged remarks.
(Note: Subsequent developments reported that the university announced a 50% fee waiver for self-financing courses amid the protests, though students continue to press for a full resolution and apology.)
This ongoing protest highlights key issues in Assam’s higher education sector, including affordability, promised concessions, and respect for historical student movements. Stay tuned for more updates on Dibrugarh University developments.
