Dr Mehboob-ul-Haq, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, is currently lodged in Karimganj jail, approximately 300 km from Guwahati.
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Citizens for Fraternity, a group comprising eminent personalities including former Chief Election Commissioner Dr SY Qureshi and former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Dr Najeeb Jung, has appealed for immediate intervention in the arrest of Dr Mehboob-ul-Haq, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM). The group has termed the arrest a “political vendetta” aimed at demoralising progressive efforts in education and healthcare in Northeast India.
Dr Haq, a prominent educationist, was arrested by the Assam Police on February 22 at 2 a.m. from his Guwahati residence on allegations of forging a caste certificate. The arrest was made without a preliminary charge sheet or warrant and has sparked outrage among academics and civil society members. Haq has been remanded to judicial custody and is currently lodged in Karimganj jail, approximately 300 km from Guwahati.
In their letter to the prime minister, the Citizens for Fraternity highlighted Haq’s contributions to education and healthcare in the North-East. They stated: “The arrest and prolonged imprisonment of a respected non-political citizen is aimed at demoralising a section of a progressive society. It is hindering the efforts of enlightened citizens to establish modern secular institutions of higher education and medical facilities. This is pure revenge, and we are sure that you will give directions for redress.”
The letter also detailed the achievements of USTM, which was established under the Meghalaya State Legislative Assembly Act in 2008. The university, which offers 43 courses across eight schools, has over 6,000 students, with 20% belonging to backward classes receiving free education. USTM has also been recognised as the best private university in Meghalaya and is working on establishing a 1,100-bed super-specialty hospital to cater to the healthcare needs of the region.
However, tensions between Haq and the Assam government have been simmering for some time. Last year, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused USTM of contributing to deforestation in the Jurabat hills, which he claimed led to increased flooding in Guwahati. Sarma controversially termed this “flood jihad” and directed the registration of a case against the university. The situation escalated further after USTM set up a medical college in 2024, leading to a drop in admissions and intensified scrutiny from the Assam government.
The timing of Haq’s arrest has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the motives. “The arrest on a Saturday morning, when judicial remedies are difficult to access, clearly indicates a vendetta by the Assam government against USTM and its founder,” the letter stated.
Dr Haq, often referred to as the “Sir Syed of North-East India,” has been a pioneer in education in the region. Starting with a single computer and four students in 2001, he has built a network of educational institutions that now serve over 10,000 students, 35% of whom are from tribal communities. His initiatives include a unique “payback policy,” where students who pass competitive exams are refunded their full course fees.
Despite his contributions, Haq has faced numerous challenges. The Assam government’s allegations of “flood jihad” and the recent arrest have cast a shadow over his work. “This is not just an attack on Mehboob-ul-Haq but an attack on the entire educational and healthcare infrastructure of the North-East,” said Shahid Siddiqui, a former member of Parliament and one of the signatories to the letter.
The Citizens for Fraternity urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene and ensure that Haq’s contributions to education and healthcare are not undermined by what they describe as “baseless allegations.” They have also called for an impartial investigation into the matter to restore faith in the region’s educational institutions.
Dr Haq’s journey is one of resilience and dedication. Born in Patharkandi village in Assam’s Sribhoomi district, Haq completed his early education in his village before pursuing higher studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science in 2000, securing a second position in the first division. Despite lucrative job offers from multinational companies, Haq chose to return to Assam to contribute to the region’s development.
In 2001, with just one computer and four students, Haq started a computer training centre under the Manipal Group. Over the years, his efforts expanded, leading to the establishment of the USTM in 2008. Today, it is a leading private university in the region, offering 43 courses across eight schools and serving over 6,000 students.
Haq’s institutions are known for their inclusivity, with 35% of students from tribal communities and 20% from backward classes receiving free education. His unique “payback policy” has also gained widespread acclaim.
