Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday spoke against the ongoing protest at Tezpur University. He said, "Where there is an agitation, I am not there. I will be there if there is a discussion." The university has been tense since mid-September after students accused Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and the authorities of disrespecting singer Zubeen Garg during the state's mourning of his death. Since November 29, students have enforced a complete shutdown of the campus, leading to the cancellation of all end-term exams. When asked if VC Singh has been removed following a central team’s visit, Sarma replied, "I don't know." Earlier, Sarma spoke to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging for a pro-VC appointment pending an impartial enquiry. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi praised the students' protest as the "Kanchenjunga spirit of new Assam." He said, "It is disappointing to see the manner in which Tezpur University is being tackled by the government. At the same time, I am proud of the manner in which the students and faculty of Tezpur University have conducted themselves. Firm, unbending and dignified." The unrest began in mid-September after the death of singer Zubeen Garg.