ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Sep 22: In a touching display of solidarity and grief, thousands of students and supporters joined a mass candlelight vigil, demanding justice for late Koj Buker, a third-year electrical engineering student at NIT Silchar, who tragically took his own life on September 15 last , due to academic pressure and alleged administrative indifference.
The candlelight vigil organized by the Apatani Students Union (ASU), saw participants marching from Akashdeep to the Tennis Court, raising their voice in unison for justice and reform in the Indian education system.
Koj Buker's family, while speaking to the media during the vigil, pleaded for the intervention of the state government in ensuring justice for their late son. They emphasized the need for accountability and reform within educational institutions to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.
A member of the Apatani Students body said  "Koj Buker's untimely demise sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many students in India's educational institutions. The young student, hailing from a rural area in Arunachal Pradesh, struggled with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including poor internet connectivity that hindered his ability to attend online classes. As a result, Koj accumulated multiple backlogs in his first semester."
His desperation grew when he sought assistance from the administration, particularly from Dean Academics, Dr. BK Roy, to resolve his backlog issues. Koj's pleas went unanswered, and on September 15, the Dean publicly humiliated him by ripping up his application and insulting his father over the phone, leading Koj to take his own life.
Koj Buker's tragic story has ignited a nationwide conversation about the pressing need for reform within the Indian education system. The incident highlights the vulnerability of students and the consequences of an inadequate and corrupt administration within prestigious institutions like NITs and IITs, stated ASU members.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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