Call demanding removal of Army Camp from Manipur University Campus
27 June 2017
NEFIS GIVES ALL INDIA PROTEST CALL DEMANDING REMOVAL OF ARMY CAMP FROM MANIPUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS!
ARMY PRESENCE IN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AFFECTING ACADEMIC LIFE!
CAMPUS IS FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE, NOT FOR STATIONING ARMY: NEFIS!
NEFIS strongly condemns the continued presence of Assam Rifles Camp in Manipur University campus. It should be known that NEFIS has continuously decried the military presence in Manipur University and in 2015 it has organized an extensive signature campaign against “campus militarization” and submitted it to President of India.
Renewing its struggle for de-militarization of Manipur University campus, NEFIS has given an All India Protest Call for 29th June. Its different state units will hold protest demonstrations in different centers like Delhi, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kokrajhar and Gwalior. NEFIS Manipur Unit in coordination with Manipur University Students Union (MUSU) will be organizing protest demonstration outside Assam Rifles Office Gate at Manipur University.
It should be known Assam Rifles has been stationed in Manipur University for past 30 years which has perpetuated an environment of fear among students. Army presence has not only destroyed academic life but students are even afraid to raise their democratic demands.
Army presence has taken away all the space for academic freedom because every discussion and debate is under scrutiny. NEFIS believes that the Army presence has been continued to crush students’ movement by nipping it in bud. NEFIS believes that university campuses are spaces for academic purposes and are no place to station army.
NEFIS therefore condemns militarization of Manipur University campus and pledges to continue its struggle until its demands are met and the democratic space of university is restored.
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) who can be contacted at nefis(DOT)manipur(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on June 28 2017
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