FESOK, CADA decry notice to MU faculty
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 04 2022:
Terming as irrational the show cause notice served to Manipur University (MU) Manipuri assistant professor Dr N Sanatomba by the registrar, Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK) has appealed for withdrawing the same.
With reference to Dr Sanatomba's observation on the government's decision to legalise liquor in the state as a jury member of a de bating competition organised by MU Students' Union (MUSU), FESOK secretary (publicity) Preety Sanasam stressed the vital need of teachers and intellectuals who will lead the society towards the path of development one and asserted that Dr Sanatomba is one such teacher who has the idea and intellect of bringing changes in the society.
Terming the decision taken for summoning Prof Sanatomba during a meeting of the MU Deans' Committee held on September 27 as unfortunate, Preety continued that FESOK has taken serious note of such decision and demanded immediate withdrawal of the show cause notice.
She said that it is the duty of intellectuals to critique issues of the land.
Silencing those who are vocal and bringing out truth and facts despite the freedom of speech guaranteed under Article (19) (A) is unfortunate, she denounced.
In another release, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) secretary (information) Khundongbam Anand also condemned the issuance of show cause notice to Dr Sanatomba for expressing his views on legalisation of liquor in the state.
There were many instances of causing fear and sending police to those who speak against the government during discussion pro grammes on TV Channels.
Such act testified that there is no freedom of speech and expression in the state.
Manipur will be developed only when people are given the freedom to critically analyse the policies and activities of the government, he continued.
Anand further said that spokespersons from government side and political parties also used abusive words during such discussion programmes, but the government turned deaf ear.
It is wrong to incite fear and demean those are vocal and speaking for the people, the secretary added.