Central Govt's regard for North East questionable: Joykumar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 24 2018: Retired Professor of Manipur University Naorem Joykumar has said that it is high time to question the Central Government's perception of the North East States if it keeps acting like the removal of a Vice Chancellor is a herculean task despite the danger of ruining the career of thousands of students of Manipur University.

Speaking to media persons, retired Prof Joykumar said that the situation of Manipur University has reached a critical stage and added that there are often clashes or tension between a university VC and the students or the teachers and in most of these situations, either the VC is removed or he or she resigns voluntarily.

In the case of Manipur University, putting aside whether the charges levelled against AP Pandey by the students and the teachers are true or false, it may be said that the university has fallen into a crisis due to the issue.

As such, the future of thousands of students are at stake and it may lead to various law and order situation in the State.

Thus there is a need to bring a swift and positive solution to the issue at the earliest, he added.

Joykumar continued that with the crisis at the university crossing more than 50 days, the issue has reached a critical stage.

It is indeed very unfortunate that the State Government took this long to respond to the issue, he said.

Expressing desire for a judicial enquiry over the VC in connection with the charges levelled against him, Joykumar said that it is necessary to either remove the VC or send him on leave.

It is indeed really unfortunate that the Central Government is not bothered by the issue at all and this brings to question the Governments perception or regard for the university issue, he claimed.

On the other hand, challenging the decision of he all political party meeting to appoint a pro-VC, Joykumar explained that a pro- VC has to be appointed by a VC and as such in the current situation, it would be impossible to appoint a pro-VC.

He also opined that for Manipur University, appointing a senior most Professor of the university as its VC can return the institution to normalcy.

On the other hand, CPI Manipur State Council State secretary N Sotinkumar, who also took part in the meet, said that MUSU, MUTA and MUSA have made their stand clear that they will not back off until the VC is removed.

This movement has already reached/impacted all colleges and institutions affiliated to the university as well.

This, now, poses a grave, threat to the career and future of many students.

The Central and the State Government are resorting to making desperate and short sighted decision including appointment of a pro-VC, which will not be successful in the long run and will be completely useless in solving the university crisis, he opined.

He continued that it is unfortunate the ruling party declined the calling action motion put forward by the Opposition Congress party for removal of the VC during the Assembly session yesterday.

If all had went well, it would have been far easier to pressure the Central Government regarding the issue, he added.

Pointing out that the responsibility for bringing an end to the university crisis now rests in the hands of the BJP State Government, he demanded the State Government to pressure the Centre to bring a solution to the issue.

On the other hand, CPI (M) secretary Ksh Shanta said that CPI (M) will never accept the decision of the All Political party meeting.

He also added that he would go to Delhi to pressure the party leaders to take up necessary actions regarding the issue.

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