MUTSU protest hits academic activities at MU
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03 2016:
Academic activities of Manipur University remained suspended today as Manipur University Tribal Students' Union (MUTSU) shut down academic activities to demand the revocation of two resolutions adopted by varsity's Deans' Committee.
Members of MUTSU locked the main entrance gate and stopped classes in almost all departments.
The tribal students have been demanding revocation of two resolutions adopted by the MU Deans' Committee on April 4 on reservation matter.
It also urged the State Government to intervene and resolve the reservation issue at the earliest.
The protest held today was also supported by All Tribal Student's Union, Manipur (ATSUM) .
It may be mentioned that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had sent a revised budget estimate for 2015-16 under non-plan of Central Universities regarding point wise reservation roster to MU authorities on March 23 .
The notification stated that the as per instructions of Govt of India/UGC, the educational institutions receiving grant-in-aid from Central Govt have to follow the reservation on the model of 15 percent for SCs, 7.5 percent for STs and 27 percent for OBCs in the matter of teaching and non-teaching posts as well as in admission to various courses.
The protest which began around 10.30 am disrupted the academic atmosphere resulting in cancellation of classes in many departments.
It was also reported that members of MUTSU tried to shut down the library but was prevented by the MU authorities.
After the main entrance was completely sealed, protesters staged a sit-in-protest denouncing the alleged communal and discriminatory attitude of the Vice-Chancellor of MU towards the tribal students.
Police personnel from Singjamei police station intervened to ensure that no untoward incident occurred.
A scholar commented that students belonging to other communities are not against the agitation of MUTSU but the mode of demonstration has severely hampered the academic atmosphere and is not acceptable at any cost.
"The norms and guidelines sent by the UGC must be followed by Manipur University as the university is receiving 100 percent grant-in-aid," he added.
Further he expressed hope that the authorities of the university will follow the guiding principles of UGC in the larger interest of the student community of Manipur.