Lack of water in MU : SF-hostellers stand-off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 11 2014:
Chronic problem of power supply in the State nearly took a tragic turn at Manipur university today after varsity hostellers and armed security force personnel deployed at the campus were involved in a stand-off over non availability of water at Hostel No 1, 2 and 3 .
Today's incident is the latest controversial issue to besiege MU, for the highest institution of learning in the State has witnessed violent showdowns between the students and the security forces and MU authorities over the demand for revival of the varsity's students' union.
Intervention and subsequent negotiation between the unit commander of the security force, MU officials and the hostellers averted possible violent end to the stand-off during which one of the 8th Bn Manipur Rifles personnel allegedly cocked and aimed the gun at the hostellers.
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Over 24 hours blackout in the hostels is said to be genesis for the stand-off as the hostellers protested from around 9 am today after their complaints regarding deprivation of water did not evoke any response from the hostel warden.
According to some hostellers the MR personnel arrived at the hostel premises in two vehicles with one of the personnel allegedly in inebriated condition and without proper uniform threatening to open fire if the hostellers did not cease the protest.
Decrying the personnel's conduct the hostellers reportedly confronted with the security team leader, who too was under the influence of alcohol and remain indifferent to the situation, claimed the hostellers.
The tense stand-off subsided after a meeting involving the MR post commander, Dean of Students' Welfare (MU) Hema Kumar, Registrar N Lokendro, University Engineer Rajen and the hostellers as well as apology tendered by the personnel who cocked the weapon and threatened to open fire.
As an alternative arrangement a potable generator was used to supply water to the hostels.
Commenting on the incident, the hostellers expressed strong resentment that until and unless agitation is launched MU authorities do not take the initiative to resolve any issue.
The fact that security personnel were used to attempt and subdue the hostellers' genuine demand reaffirm MU authorities' intention to utilise brute force rather than strive for amicably solving the problem at hand, they noted while lamenting that security barrack set up inside the campus instead of garage at the hostels testify indifferent attitude of MU authorities.